Independence Day celebrations: Govt increases allocation by Tk1.24cr to Tk6.94cr this year
The allocation for celebrating the day this year has been fixed at Tk6.94 crore, up by Tk1.24 crore from last year
The government has increased the allocation for celebrating Bangladesh's Independence and National Day on 26 March to Tk6.94 crore, which is Tk1.24 crore higher than the previous fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.
Like in previous years, the government is allocating funds to each upazila administration to ensure smooth celebrations across the country.
Allocations are also being provided to various ministries, departments, and organisations to implement national activities or programmes approved at a recent inter-ministerial meeting.
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In 2024, a total of Tk5.7 crore was allocated for the celebrations, while the amount was Tk5.57 crore in 2023.
On 6 March, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs sent a letter to the finance secretary seeking approval to withdraw the allocated funds for the celebrations.
According to ministry sources, the allocation for deputy commissioners has been doubled this year.
For the past two years, Tk1 lakh was allocated per deputy commissioner for implementing national programmes, including hoisting the national flag and parades. This year, the amount has been increased to Tk2 lakh.
Additionally, Tk48 lakh is being allocated to the administrations of 64 sadar upazilas, including Dhaka, with each receiving Tk75,000.
Meanwhile, 435 upazila administrations, excluding sadar upazilas, will receive Tk60,000 each, totalling Tk2.61 crore. The district and upazila administrations will use this money to organise and implement reception programmes for the freedom fighters.
Last year, Tk2.17 crore was allocated to upazilas outside the sadar areas, compared to Tk2.16 crore in 2023.
No parade in Dhaka
On Sunday, the chief adviser's Press Wing announced that no parade will be held in Dhaka this year due to renovation work at the National Stadium. However, parades will still be organised in the remaining 63 districts.
As in previous years, the government will provide special meals to prisoners in various jails across the country on Independence Day. A total of Tk12 lakh has been allocated for this purpose.
Reduced allocation for some agencies
While most agencies and departments have seen an increase in their allocation, the two city corporations of Dhaka and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will get reduced funds this year.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, which received Tk1.2 crore in both 2024 and 2023, will receive only Tk32 lakh this year. This fund will be used for coordinating national programmes and expenses related to invitations, gates, banners, festoons, and branding.
No allocation for certain institutions
This year, several institutions will not receive any allocation due to the absence of planned Independence Day programmes. These institutions had received funds in previous years for organising celebratory activities.
Institutions not receiving allocations this year include the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Bangladesh Police, the Liberation War Museum, and several others.
