Pension, diplomatic passport, staff: Benefits available to Bangladesh's former presidents

Former president Mohammed Shahabuddin will continue to receive a pension and a range of official benefits after having resigned from office yesterday (24 July), in line with the President's Pension, Gratuity and Other Benefits Act.

Shahabuddin took office as Bangladesh's 22nd president on 24 April 2023. As he served for more than six months, the law entitles him to a monthly pension for life equal to 75% of his last salary as president.

Under the President's (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 1975, as amended up to May 2016, the president's monthly salary stands at Tk1.2 lakh. Based on that amount, Shahabuddin will receive a monthly pension of Tk90,000.

The law also states that anyone who already receives a pension from another government post before becoming president may claim either that pension or the presidential pension. They cannot receive both.

If a former president dies while receiving the pension, the surviving widow or, where applicable, widower will receive two-thirds of that monthly pension for life.

Option to receive a lump-sum gratuity 

The law also allows a former president to choose a lump-sum gratuity instead of the monthly pension. To do so, they must inform the authorities within one month of becoming eligible. 

The gratuity equals one year's pension multiplied by the number of years served as president. The law counts any part of a year as a full year when calculating the amount.

If a president dies after serving more than six months without choosing either a pension or gratuity, the law treats that as a decision to receive the gratuity. The nominated beneficiary or, if no nominee exists, the legal heirs will receive the payment.

Other benefits 

In addition to the financial benefits, Shahabuddin will receive a personal assistant, an attendant and an annual allowance for official expenses. The government will determine the amount of that allowance from time to time.

He will also receive medical benefits equal to those available to a minister, free use of government vehicles when attending official functions, a residential telephone connection with government-approved bill exemptions, a diplomatic passport and free accommodation at government circuit houses or rest houses during travel within Bangladesh.

His wife will also qualify for medical benefits, a diplomatic passport and free accommodation at government circuit houses or rest houses across the country.

When can these benefits be withdrawn? 

The law also sets out the circumstances in which a former president loses these benefits. 

A former president cannot receive the pension or related privileges after accepting another office, seat, position or appointment that pays a salary or other benefits from the Consolidated Fund.

A former president also loses those benefits after a court convicts them of an offence involving moral turpitude following eligibility for the pension. 

The same rule applies if the High Court declares that the individual assumed the presidency through unconstitutional or illegal means.