The government is contemplating augmenting financial aid for freedom fighters to acknowledge their pivotal role in the creation of Bangladesh.

During a recent session at the Parliament Building, the Parliamentary Committee on the Ministry of Liberation War revealed proposals aimed at boosting monthly stipends and other special allowances for freedom fighters. These suggestions, originating from deliberations in an earlier meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Security Program held on April 8, were put forth by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

Minister for Liberation War Affairs, AKM Mozammel Haque, refrained from commenting directly on the matter due to its budgetary nature. However, a press release from the Thursday meeting indicated that the government is contemplating proposals to elevate honorariums for martyrs' families and freedom fighters' kin.

Key elements of the proposal encompass a substantial hike in the monthly stipend for ordinary brave freedom fighters, enhanced allowances for war casualties and titled freedom fighters, and an extension of special allowances to encompass Independence Day alongside Victory Day. Moreover, there's a recommendation to double the special allowances for these occasions.

If these proposals across various sectors are approved, it is anticipated that an additional Tk2,870 crore will be required in the upcoming 2024-25 financial year.

Presently, ordinary brave freedom fighters receive a monthly honorarium of Tk20,000, with the proposal suggesting an increase to Tk30,000. Furthermore, festival allowances for freedom fighters are proposed to rise from Tk10,000 to Tk15,000, necessitating an additional allocation of Tk200.58 crore.

Moreover, the suggestion entails extending the special allowance, presently provided only on Victory Day, to Independence Day as well, with a doubling of the allowance rate, requiring an additional budget of Tk98.57 crore.

New Year's allowances for beneficiaries of freedom fighters and their heirs are also proposed to increase from Tk2,000 to Tk5,000, calling for an additional allocation of Tk63.78 crore.

Similarly, titled freedom fighters are slated to receive increased allowances, with Bir Uttam set to receive Tk40,000, Bir Bikram Tk35,000, and Bir Prateek Tk30,000, necessitating an additional allocation of Tk8.22 crore.

The proposal further includes an increase in honorariums for the families of martyrs and war-wounded freedom fighters, ranging from Tk30,000 to Tk50,000 based on category, requiring an additional budget of Tk70 crore.

Additionally, there is a proposal to raise the allowance for burial, cremation, religious ceremonies, and transportation of the body from a minimum of Tk5,000 to a maximum of Tk14,900 to a minimum of Tk30,000 to a maximum of Tk50,000.