Bangladesh MP's salary, benefits: A detailed overview

As Bangladesh moves to form the 13^th Jatiya Sangsad following the national election, attention has once again turned to the financial benefits and state-funded facilities granted to Members of Parliament (MPs).

The Election Commission has issued gazette notifications confirming the 297 newly elected lawmakers, and preparations are under way for their oath-taking. Alongside the political transition, public discussion has focused on the range of salaries, allowances and privileges MPs receive under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Allowances) Order, 1973, and its subsequent amendments.

Below is a clear breakdown of the benefits currently available to lawmakers.

Monthly salary and allowances

• • Constituency allowance: Tk 12,500
  • Entertainment allowance: Tk 5,000
  • Transport allowance: Tk 70,000 (covering fuel, vehicle maintenance and driver’s salary)
  • Office expense allowance: Tk 15,000
  • Laundry allowance: Tk 1,500
  • Miscellaneous allowance: Tk 6,000

All of these payments and benefits are exempt from income tax.

Vehicle import facility

MPs are allowed to import one car, jeep or microbus without paying customs duty, VAT or other taxes.

After five years, they are eligible to import another vehicle under the same duty-free scheme.

Travel entitlements

For official travel within Bangladesh, MPs are entitled to:

• • 1.5 times the highest-class fare for air, rail or water transport
  • A per-kilometre allowance for road travel
  • An annual domestic travel allowance or travel pass valued at Tk 120,000

Daily allowances

While on official duty, MPs receive:

• • Daily allowance: Tk 750
  • Travel allowance: Tk 75

When attending parliamentary sittings or committee meetings, the rates increase to:

• • Daily allowance: Tk 800
  • Travel allowance: Tk 200

Medical facilities and insurance

MPs and their immediate family members are entitled to government-level medical care.

In addition, MPs receive a monthly medical allowance of Tk 700.

The government also provides insurance coverage of Tk 10 lakh in the event of death or permanent disability sustained while on official duty.

Communication facilities

Each MP is provided with an official telephone connection at their residence. The government covers monthly telephone and call expenses up to Tk 7,800.

Discretionary grant fund

MPs may access up to Tk 5 lakh per year as a discretionary grant. The fund is generally used for constituency-related assistance and community initiatives.

Public scrutiny

These provisions are intended to enable MPs to carry out their legislative duties and maintain regular contact with their constituencies. However, the scale and tax-exempt nature of these benefits often draw public attention, particularly during the formation of a new parliament.

As the 13^th Jatiya Sangsad prepares to begin its term, the debate over parliamentary privileges and public accountability is expected to continue.