Bangladesh, Nov. 6 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced a salary increase and expanded benefits for Gram Police, raising monthly pay for members to Tk 10,500 from Tk 7,500 and for their chiefs to Tk 11,000 from Tk 8,000.

The new arrangements will take effect from today, he said while addressing a rally of Gram Police at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka, marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The prime minister also announced an increase in retirement gratuities. Gram Police members will receive Tk 80,000, up from Tk 50,000, while chiefs' gratuities will rise to Tk 1 lakh from Tk 80,000.

Each Gram Police member will receive a monthly mobile phone allowance of Tk 150 to make communication easier, he said. ...