President's monthly salary is 1,20,000; what are his other perks?
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The salary and privileges of the President are determined under the "President's (Remuneration and Privileges) Act".
Currently, the basic monthly salary of the President is Tk1,20,000. In 2016, the President's salary was raised to the current amount from Tk 61,200.
The President's salary is completely tax-free, meaning no income tax is deducted from this amount.
Alongside the basic salary, the President receives various allowances and benefits for performing state duties. These include official residence, transport, medical care, state visits, security, and entertainment facilities.
Discretionary fund of Tk20 million
The President maintains a discretionary fund for public welfare and social work. The maximum amount of this fund is Tk 20 million per year. This money can be spent to assist individuals or organizations at the President's discretion.
Additionally, there are provisions for special entertainment and hospitality allowances for hosting state guests and official events.
Free of cost at Bangabhaban
Bangabhaban is the official residence of the President. The maintenance, furniture, decoration, and other management expenses of the building are borne by the government fund.
The costs of essential utility services used at Bangabhaban, including electricity, gas, water, telephone, and internet, are also paid through government arrangements.
Official vehicles and state transport
The government vehicles are provided for the movement of the President and family members. For travel required by state and official duties, the President enjoys the facility of using special government aircraft.
Furthermore, there are options to use the VIP saloon car of Bangladesh Railway and government vessels on waterways as needed. Transportation, accommodation, and incidental expenses during state visits at home and abroad are covered by the government fund.
During official tours across different parts of the country, the President can stay at circuit houses or government rest houses free of cost.
Medical expenses covered by the state
The state bears all medical expenses for the President and their family members. Along with treatment at any hospital within the country, if medical treatment abroad is required on a doctor's advice, those expenses are also covered by the government.
Round-the-clock security
Specially trained security forces are assigned to ensure the President's safety. The President Guard Regiment (PGR) and Special Security Force (SSF) play crucial roles in maintaining the President's security.
Constitutional immunity
Under Article 50 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the President enjoys constitutional immunity while in office. The President is not answerable to any court for the performance of official duties. Constitutional protection also applies regarding the filing of criminal proceedings or the issuance of arrest warrants against the President during the term of office.
Post-retirement benefits
The President continues to receive specific benefits even after completing the official term. By law, a former president receives a monthly pension for life at the rate of 75 percent of the last drawn basic salary. Under the current salary structure, this amount is Tk 90,000.
In addition, former presidents receive medical facilities, a personal assistant, an office attendant, a diplomatic passport, and government telephone services.
Thus, although the President's basic monthly salary is TK120,000, extensive state privileges are attached to the highest constitutional post in the country. These range from official residence, transport, medical care, security, state tours, and entertainment during tenure, to pensions and other post-retirement benefits.
