FFs demand rise in honorarium, allowance

They also demanded perpetual state allowance for their descendents, which is now applicable only for wife and children up to 21 years old.

'War-Wounded Freedom Fighters and Martyred Freedom Fighters Family Welfare and Implementation Council' organised the press conference at the city's Reporters Unity yesterday.

Addressing the function, Council President Amir Hossain Mollah said, "Our descendents deserve state allowance as the money comes from the fund of the Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust which is regarded as our own property."

"The government may generate funds by utilising lands of Welfare Trust to maintain expenditure of state allowances," he suggested.

Reading out a written statement, Amir said, there was a declaration on December 16, 1979 that a Housing Complex would be constructed for them but it is yet to be implemented. As a result over two hundred freedom fighters families are leading a miserable life at Mirpur Freedom Fighters Housing Complex.

The speakers criticised the role of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs for its inefficiency.

Council General Secretary Belal Uddin, Senior Vice-Chairman Khandaker Abdul Karim Jibon, Vice-Chairman Nurul Islam, Joint Secretary Abdul Gafur and other freedom fighters of the organisation were present at the conference.