Ashraf wants pension for MPs

DEEPAK ACHARJEE
Public administration minister Syed Ashraful Islam urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to introduce retirement benefits for former Members of Parliament (MPs) at the weekly cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat yesterday. A cabinet minister, who attended the meeting, revealed this to The Independent. Experts have, however, strongly opposed Ashraf’s proposal to introduce retirement benefits for former MPs. The Cabinet has already  approved a proposal to increase the pension, gratuity and other benefits for former presidents as per the draft "The President Pension, Gratuity and Other Privileges Act, 2015".
Citing examples of different countries that provide retirement benefits to former MPs, Syed Ashraful Islam said the government should introduce retirement facilities for former MPs.  “The governments of Australia, the UK and India provide retirement benefits to former MPs. Why not Bangladesh? As far as I know, many former MPs are living in tight financial conditions. All of them served the nation honestly and committed their lives to political activities,” he told the Prime Minister. Hasina, however, did not comment on the issue.
Health minister Mohammed Nasim opposed the proposal. He asked the public administration minister why former MPs should get such benefits. “Our politicians, especially former MPs, are trying to become parliamentarians over and over again,” he said.
Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) secretary Badiul Alam Majumder also strongly opposed the public administration minister’s proposal and claimed that former MPs of the country have been getting more benefits than other people. “Many MPs opt for business or avail of business facilities after getting elected and grow rich. While most people of the country live below the poverty line, why some people should get more and more privileges?” he said. Syed Ashraful Islam, however, has his share of supporters too. Talking to this correspondent, Shamsul Haque Tuku, MP of Pabna-1 constituency,  said the government should introduce retirement benefits for former MPs. “Many former MPs are going through hard times. They find it hard to make the ends meet while an incumbent MP now gets around Tk. 100,000 every month with all facilities,” he added.

Ashraf wants pension for MPs

DEEPAK ACHARJEE Public administration minister Syed Ashraful Islam urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to introduce retirement benefits for former Members of Parliament (MPs) at the weekly cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat yesterday. A cabinet minister, who attended the meeting, revealed this to The Independent. Experts have, however, strongly opposed Ashrafs proposal to introduce retirement benefits for former MPs. The Cabinet has already approved a proposal to increase the pension, gratuity and other benefits for former presidents as per the draft The President Pension, Gratuity and Other Privileges Act, 2015. Citing examples of different countries that provide retirement benefits to former MPs, Syed Ashraful Islam said the government should introduce retirement facilities for former MPs. The governments of Australia, the UK and India provide retirement benefits to former MPs. Why not Bangladesh? As far as I know, many former MPs are living in tight financial conditions. All of them served the nation honestly and committed their lives to political activities, he told the Prime Minister. Hasina, however, did not comment on the issue. Health minister Mohammed Nasim opposed the proposal. He asked the public administration minister why former MPs should get such benefits. Our politicians, especially former MPs, are trying to become parliamentarians over and over again, he said. Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) secretary Badiul Alam Majumder also strongly opposed the public administration ministers proposal and claimed that former MPs of the country have been getting more benefits than other people. Many MPs opt for business or avail of business facilities after getting elected and grow rich. While most people of the country live below the poverty line, why some people should get more and more privileges? he said. Syed Ashraful Islam, however, has his share of supporters too. Talking to this correspondent, Shamsul Haque Tuku, MP of Pabna-1 constituency, said the government should introduce retirement benefits for former MPs. Many former MPs are going through hard times. They find it hard to make the ends meet while an incumbent MP now gets around Tk. 100,000 every month with all facilities, he added.