Govt May Introduce Dearness Allowance for Public Servants: Adviser

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The government is actively considering the introduction of a dearness allowance (DA) for public servants in the upcoming national budget, according to Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat in Dhaka, Dr Salehuddin said a committee has already been formed to evaluate the matter and develop a framework for the proposed allowance.

“The proposal is under serious consideration, and a working committee is already in place to look into its implementation,” he said. However, he did not disclose any potential rate or timeline for the allowance, noting that those details would be finalised upon further review.

A dearness allowance is typically introduced to help government employees cope with inflation and rising costs of living. If implemented, this would mark a significant shift in public sector wage policy, potentially benefiting thousands of government workers amid ongoing economic challenges.

When asked about India's recent restrictions on imports from Bangladesh, the adviser confirmed that the issue is on the government’s agenda and that a high-level meeting on the matter was scheduled for later in the day. “Discussions will take place this afternoon, so I am not in a position to comment at the moment,” he said.

Dr Salehuddin also declined to elaborate on reports regarding a possible dissolution or restructuring of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). “This is a matter for the finance ministry, and they will provide an official statement through a press release,” he added.

At the time of reporting, the scheduled meeting had yet to begin.