Staying in govt quarters mandatory for getting rent allowance: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today directed authorities concerned to ensure employees who don't stay at government quarters do not get any rent allowance.

She gave the directive while chairing a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

Planning Division Senior Secretary Md Ashadul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting was held at NEC Conference Room in the city.

"Government staff must stay in government quarters earmarked for them. Otherwise, they won't get house rent allowance. The prime minister has given directives to take measures in this regard," said the planning secretary.

In many cases, some government staff, university teachers and employees don't stay in the quarters to save money by staying at rented houses at lower cost following the rise of house rent allowance in the new pay scale, said the secretary adding that directives will be effective for all, including university staff.

The finance ministry will take measures to implement the directive, said Islam.