Benefits Former President Shahabuddin Will Receive

Former President Mohammed Shahabuddin

Former President Mohammed Shahabuddin will continue to receive a lifetime pension and several official benefits after stepping down from office on Friday, in accordance with the President's Pension, Gratuity and Other Benefits Act.

Shahabuddin, who assumed office as Bangladesh's 22nd President on 24 April 2023, served for more than six months, making him eligible for a monthly pension equal to 75% of his final presidential salary.

Under the President's (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 1975, as amended in 2016, the President's monthly salary is Tk1.2 lakh. Based on that amount, Shahabuddin will receive a monthly pension of Tk90,000 for life.

The law provides that anyone already receiving a government pension before becoming President may choose either that pension or the presidential pension, but cannot receive both simultaneously.

If a former President dies while receiving the pension, the surviving spouse will be entitled to two-thirds of the monthly pension for life.

Option to Receive a Gratuity

Instead of a monthly pension, a former President may opt for a lump-sum gratuity by notifying the authorities within one month of becoming eligible.

The gratuity is calculated by multiplying one year's pension by the number of years served as President, with any part of a year counted as a full year.

If a President dies after serving more than six months without choosing between the pension and gratuity, the law treats it as an election for the gratuity, which is then paid to the nominated beneficiary or legal heirs.

Other Official Benefits

In addition to the pension, Shahabuddin will be entitled to a range of official privileges, including:

A personal assistant and an attendant.
An annual allowance for official expenses, as determined by the government.
Medical benefits equivalent to those available to a minister.
Government transport for official engagements.
A residential telephone connection with approved bill exemptions.
A diplomatic passport.
Free accommodation at government circuit houses and rest houses during official travel within Bangladesh.

His spouse will also be entitled to medical benefits, a diplomatic passport and complimentary accommodation at government circuit houses and rest houses.

When Benefits Can Be Withdrawn

The law also specifies circumstances under which a former President loses these benefits.

The pension and related privileges cease if the former President accepts another office or appointment that carries salary or benefits from the Consolidated Fund.

The benefits may also be withdrawn if the former President is convicted by a court of an offence involving moral turpitude after becoming eligible for the pension, or if the High Court declares that the individual assumed the presidency through unconstitutional or unlawful means.