President, PM, Ministers and MPs: What salaries and benefits will they receive?

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has secured a majority of seats in the recently concluded 13th National Parliamentary Election. The swearing-in ceremony for the new Prime Minister, ministers and state ministers will be held on Tuesday, February 17. With the formation of the new government, curiosity has arisen among the public regarding the salaries, allowances and benefits of the highest officeholders of the state. Let's find out who gets what benefits.

President and Prime Minister's salaries
According to the government structure, the President receives the highest salary in the country. He receives a monthly basic salary of Tk 1,20,000. The Prime Minister's monthly salary is Tk 1,15,000. The state bears all expenses related to the official duties of the President and Prime Minister.

In addition to the basic salary, the Prime Minister receives Tk 1,00,000 per month for house rent, though this allowance is not applicable if residing in the official residence. Additionally, he receives a daily allowance of Tk 3,000, insurance coverage of Tk 25 lakh for air travel, and a discretionary fund facility of Tk 1.5 crore.

Salaries of other high-ranking officials
The Speaker of the National Parliament receives a monthly salary of Tk 1,12,000. The Chief Justice's monthly salary is Tk 1,10,000. Ministers receive Tk 1,05,000 per month, while state ministers receive Tk 92,000. The Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip and Leader of the Opposition also receive the same amount. Deputy ministers receive a monthly salary of Tk 86,500.

MPs' salaries and allowances
Members of Parliament receive a monthly salary of Tk 55,000. In addition, they receive allowances for various sectors including entertainment, medical treatment, transport, travel, office management and telephone bills, and are covered under insurance benefits.

Additional benefits for ministers
Upon assuming office, ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers receive a car from the government transport pool at state expense. For fuel, they receive an amount equivalent to 18 litres of fuel daily. During domestic travel, ministers and state ministers receive a daily allowance of Tk 2,000, while deputy ministers receive Tk 1,500.

Ministers and state ministers have the opportunity to appoint a personal secretary of the rank of deputy secretary, an assistant personal secretary, and an assistant personal secretary of their choice. Additionally, they receive two personal officers, one orderly, one attendant, two office assistants and one cook. They also enjoy mobile phone facilities under government arrangement.

Naturally, public interest has increased regarding the salaries, allowances and benefits of state officials during this post-election period.