The Ninth National Pay Commission today submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here. The 23-member commission, led by its Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan, presented the report this afternoon, three weeks ahead of its deadline, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and all full-time and part-time members of the commission were present. The government formed the 23-member Ninth National Pay Commission on July 27 last year and set a six-month deadline for submitting its report. This commission was constituted after a long gap of 12 years following the formation of the Eighth Pay Commission in 2013. The final deadline for submission of the report was February 14. The commission prepared its report by spending only 18 percent of its allocated budget. After receiving the report, the Chief Adviser expressed satisfaction and thanked the members of the commission. On the occasion, he said, “This is a very big task. People have been waiting for it for a long time. From the outline, I realize that this is a very creative work”. Speaking on the occasion, the Commission chief said that over the past decade there have been significant changes in almost all economic indicators at both global and national levels. In particular, the prices of essential commodities have increased manifold, he said, adding, due to the absence of a timely and appropriate pay structure, meeting the cost of living has gradually become difficult for government employees. In this context, Zakir Ahmed said, the commission worked with clearly defined Terms of Reference to review existing pay, allowances, and other benefits and to formulate necessary recommendations. Following the defined Terms of Reference and with the aim of preparing timely and realistic recommendations, he said, the pay commission held 184 meetings both online and offline with various stakeholders and received opinions and proposals from 2,552 individuals. In addition, extensive consultations were held through discussion meetings with representatives of various associations and organizations, the commission head added. Another important responsibility of the commission was to determine the necessary financial resources for implementing the proposed pay structure and to review its feasibility, said Zakir Ahmed. On the occasion, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said that implementation of the proposals is now the next task. For this purpose, a committee will be formed to work on the implementation process, he added. The commission recommended a 20-grade pay structure for government employees. It proposed increasing the minimum pay grade from Taka 8,250 to Taka 20,000 and the maximum pay grade from Taka 78,000 to Taka 160,000. The commission chief said that Taka 1,06,000 crore will be required to implement the proposals. At present, the government’s expenditure for 14 lakh government employees and 9 lakh pensioners amounts to Taka 1,31,000 crore. The new proposals of the commission included the introduction of health insurance for government employees, reform of the pension system, rearranging the Government Employees Welfare Board, formation of a Service Commission, rational restructuring of pay grades and scales, formation of a committee to review allowances in government offices, and human resource development in the health and education sectors. If an employee has a differently-abled child, the Pay Commission recommends a monthly allowance of Taka 2,000. However, in all cases a maximum of two children will receive this benefit. The report further stated that while the current provisions of Tiffin Allowance continue, the commission has recommended an increase in the rate of allowance. The current monthly Tiffin Allowance for employees in grades 11 to 20 may be increased to Taka 1,000 from Taka 200.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon the countrymen to participate in the referendum during the upcoming elections and cast “Yes” vote to build the state according to their expectations. “I urge all of you to participate in the upcoming referendum and stamp on “Yes” to build the state according to your expectations,” he said in a pre-recorded message aired on different media outlets this evening. “The key to building a new Bangladesh is now in your hands. If you cast the “Yes” vote, the door to building the new Bangladesh will open,” the Chief Adviser added. He urged the citizens not only to vote themselves, but also to encourage everyone they know to vote “Yes” and to bring them to the polling stations, calling on the people to change the country together. Prof Yunus described the July mass uprising as an extraordinary achievement in the nation’s history, saying, “It unexpectedly brought the opportunity for the nation to establish democracy, justice and human rights”. Noting that a number of reforms have already been undertaken in line with the spirit of the July uprising, he said to carry out deeper and far-reaching reforms, a July Charter has been formulated on the basis of consensus among all political parties of the country. “Now, your consent is needed to implement this July Charter, and for this purpose a referendum has been arranged,” the Chief Adviser said, urging the people to participate in the referendum and give their consent to the charter. “The referendum will be held on the same day as the national parliamentary election on February 12. If you cast the “Yes” vote in the referendum, Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation and oppression,” he said. Prof Yunus explained that the “Yes” vote in the referendum means the government and the opposition will work together in forming a caretaker government and the Election Commission. It also means the government could not amend the Constitution at will, and that public consent will be required for any important constitutional changes, he said, adding, the Charter further states that the Deputy Speaker and the chairpersons of important parliamentary committees will be elected from the opposition benches. According to the charter, no individual will be able to remain Prime Minister for more than ten years, the Chief Adviser said, adding that the judiciary will function independently, women’s representation in Parliament will increase, and an upper house will be formed in Parliament to maintain a balance of power. Stating that people’s fundamental rights will be more strongly protected, he said alongside Bangla as the state language, the languages of other ethnic communities will get constitutional recognition. Prof Yunus said that under the proposed changes, the President will not be able to pardon convicted criminals at will, all powers will not be concentrated in the hands of the Prime Minister and several other important proposals are included in the Charter.

The US Embassy today cautioned Bangladeshi visa applicants against paying any visa bond before interviews, warning that advance payments neither guarantee visa approval nor protect applicants from fraud or scams. In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page today, the embassy said paying a bond in advance does not ensure a visa and noted that third-party websites offering such services may be fraudulent. “Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party sites can be scams,” the embassy said, adding that any payment made before a visa interview is non-refundable. It noted that a bond would be returned only if the visa holder fully complies with its terms. The warning comes ahead of a new US policy set to take effect on January 21, under which Bangladeshi citizens approved for B1/B2 (business or tourist) visas will be required to post a bond up to $15,000. The requirement will not apply to holders of valid B1/B2 visas issued before that date. Earlier this month, the administration of US President Donald Trump added 25 more countries, including Bangladesh, to a list of nations whose citizens may be required to post entry bonds, Reuters reported on January 6, citing the US State Department website. According to the website, eligible B1/B2 visa applicants from the listed countries may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, with the amount determined during the visa interview. Applicants must agree to the bond conditions and make payments exclusively through the US Treasury Department’s official online platform, Pay.gov, the state department said. The expanded list now covers 38 countries, mostly from Africa, Latin America and South Asia. US authorities said the bond requirement aims to deter visitors from overstaying visas issued for tourism or business purposes.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today sought cooperation from all political parties to hold the forthcoming general elections in a free, fair and festive manner. "It is the responsibility of all of us - the government, the Election Commission, and political parties - to ensure that this year`s elections are held in a fair and festive atmosphere. I seek cooperation of all political parties in this regard," he said. The Chief Adviser made the remarks at a meeting with a four-member delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP) led by its Convener Nahid Islam at the State Guest House Jamuna here this evening, said the Chief Adviser`s Press Wing. The delegation members also included NCP Central Election Management Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Secretary Monira Sharmin and head of the legal assistance subcommittee Jahirul Islam Musa. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb were present at the meeting. During the meeting, NCP leaders shared their observations and expressed various concerns regarding the election. They said that NCP leaders and activists at all levels are campaigning in favor of a "Yes" vote in the referendum. The NCP leaders also drew the Chief Adviser`s attention to several election-related issues and urged the government to be proactive in ensuring a level playing field in the election. Prof Yunus urged the NCP leaders to inform the government immediately about any complaints or suggestions related to the election, saying the government will take necessary measures in this regard. "Steps will be taken so that no one can violate the law," he said. Noting that the field administration has been reshuffled through a lottery system to ensure neutrality, the Chief Adviser said, "There is no scope for any bias in this election. This election will determine the country`s fate. This election will change the country. This election must be fair." Stating that most of the polling centres will be brought under CCTV camera coverage by this month, he said officials assigned to centres considered at risk will be equipped with body-worn cameras while all things will be monitored from a control room. About the referendum, Prof Yunus said the government is campaigning in favor of the "Yes" vote in the referendum in a lawful manner. "We are trying to explain to the people why it is necessary to vote `Yes` in the referendum and what will happen if they vote `Yes`. We have also called upon all political parties in this regard," he added.

The 90th birth anniversary of the architect of multi-party democracy and founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, was celebrated today in a befitting manner. Marking the anniversary, party flags were hoisted at the central office and all party offices nationwide at the dawn. BNP central leaders led by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir paid tributes to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his mausoleum at Zia Udyan in the capital this morning. BNP Standing Committee Members Mirza Abbas, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed and Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon, among others, were present. Fatiha was offered there seeking eternal peace of the departed soul of Ziaur Rahman. Later, talking to journalists, Mirza Fakhrul said BNP is firmly committed to establishing a liberal democratic Bangladesh. “Every year we remember Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and take an oath to move forward following the path he showed. This time as well, BNP is further strengthened in its commitment to establish a liberal democratic Bangladesh,” he added. Discussions and dua mahfils were organized by BNP and its associate bodies and front organizations at district, metropolitan, upazila, and thana-level across the country. Doctors` Association of Bangladesh (DAB) organized a medical camp marking the birth anniversary. As part of the central program, a discussion will be held at 11:00 am tomorrow at the Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in the capital`s Kakrail. Senior BNP leaders and prominent national figures will join it. Special supplements were published in various national dailies highlighting the significance of life and works of Ziaur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman, also the proclaimer of Bangladesh`s independence and an architect of modern Bangladesh, was born on January 19, 1936 in Bagbari village under Nashipur Union in Gabtoli of Bogura district. Ziaur Rahman was the second of five sons of Chemist Mansur Rahman and Jahanara Khatun. His nickname was Kamol. On the eventful November 7, 1975, Ziaur Rahman came to the centre of the state power. President Ziaur Rahman founded Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on September 1, 1978. The former president was assassinated by a group of misguided army personnel on May 30, 1981. Ziaur Rahman, commander of the "Z Force" and Sector-1 during the country`s War of Liberation is being remembered with due respect for his historic and unforgettable contribution, who later emerged as a seasoned and popular statesman. His uncompromised patriotism, steadfast commitment to democratic norms and values and profound love and respect for the country and its people endeared him to the nation, elevating him into a truly beloved and iconic figure. His leadership shaped the nation`s political destiny. Ziaur Rahman spent his childhood in Kolkata, where his father, Mansur Rahman, served as a scientific officer of the then British government. He studied up to class seven at Hare School, one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, located at 87 College Street and founded by renowned educational reformer David Hare in Kolkata. After the Partition in 1947, Ziaur Rahman moved to Karachi with his family, where he continued his studies at DJ Sindh Government Science College, a historic institution, established in 1887. While studying at the College, he joined the Pakistan Military Academy as an officer cadet in 1953 and received commando training as a second lieutenant in 1955. Ziaur Rahman joined the second batch of the East Bengal Regiment at Joydebpur Sub-Cantonment, near Dhaka as second-in-command in April 1967 and in the same year; he proceeded to West Germany for advanced military training. In September 1970, he was posted to Chittagong (now Chattogram), with his base at Sholoshahar Bazar. On March 25, 1971 the Pakistani occupation forces swooped on the armless people of the East Pakistan and soon he joined the Liberation War. On the nation`s darkest day in 1971, his unforgettable voice -- I, Major Zia, do hereby declare -- infused among countless hearts of the people with the hope and courage to wage the Liberation War. Keeping aside the love and affection for his wife and sons, he devoted himself in mobilising the armed resistance against the occupation forces raising the `Z Force` dutifully served as the commander of Sector Number - 1, established in initial period of the war. In recognition of his extraordinary valour, he was later awarded the gallantry `Bir Uttam` title. Despite the multiple changes of power following the August 1975 change of political landscape, Ziaur Rahman remained steadfast in carrying out professional duties which he was entrusted with the state amid the turbulences in the military forces. Amidst the turbulence within the army on November 3, 1975, a group imprisoned him at his house but on November 7, he was freed in the historic revolution of sepoys- people and eventually entrusted with the charge of leading the state. After taking the charge as the President, he introduced multiparty democracy, ending the one-party BAKSAL rule imposed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through the fourth amendment to the constitution on January 25 in 1975, which restricted all newspapers except four. Ziaur Rahman later restored freedom of the press and expression by lifting the ban through the Fifth Amendment to the constitution. He assumed the Office of President on April 21, 1977 and was subsequently elected to presidency as the head of the state and government on June 23, 1978, defeating Awami League-backed candidate Liberation War Commander-in-Chief General MAG Osmani, by a wide margin in a free, fair and competitive election. Ziaur Rahman also revitalised political parties to restore democracy, founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978 and introduced the 19-point programme, a new development framework, reflecting his party`s political philosophy. He immediately set an example by restoring law and order across the country, decisively curbing corruption and all forms of crime, including theft, robbery, mugging, and hijacking restoring a sense of security public confidence in a short time. On May 30 in 1981, Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in an abortive military coup.