A new salary structure has been proposed for the armed forces in keeping with the one proposed for civilian government employees. The proposal suggests a four-star general will get a basic pay of Tk 100,000 while a civil level office assistant would get the minimum basic pay Tk 8,200. Additionally the armed personnel will receive facilities including house rent and other allowances. The Armed Forces Salary Committee, led by Lieutenant General Anwar Hossain, handed over the proposal to Finance Minister Abul Mal Abdul Muhith on Thursday morning. Others of the 8-member committee were also with him. The finance minister said, “Proposals like these carry new innovative ideas. We will assess the the report we were given and then decide.” Anwar Hossain said they have suggested the new structure in accordance with the salary hike proposed for the government employees by the Pay and Services Commission. “We have regularly been in touch with the Pay and Service Commission and have met 16 times to finalise the salary structure.” Sixteen grades for commissioned and non-commissioned personnel of armed forces have been created like in the case of the government employees, he said. The highest grade of secretary with a basic pay of Tk 80,000 would be available for a Major-general. While senior secretary ranked lieutenant generals would get Tk 88,000 in basic pay, Secretaries of the cabinet and in the prime minister’s office will receive Tk 100,000. “Force chiefs would be paid according to their rank. He will get Tk 100,000 if he is a four-star general. Additionally, allowances will be given for extra responsibilities.” The proposal also suggests facilities including house rent at same rate and special gratuity for handicapped children of armed force personnel, said the committee’s chief. — bdnews24.com
