DHAKA:  From now on anybody showing dishonor to the national flag, song and any of the emblems will have to serve two years in jail or pay a fine of Tk 10,000 or both.

A cabinet meeting Sunday gave the final approval to the draft Bangladesh National Anthem, Flag and Emblem (amendment) Act 2010 with the provisions, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad told newsmen.

Briefing the press after the cabinet meeting, the Press Secretary further said the cabinet also gave final approval to the draft law titled Expatriates Welfare Bank 2010.

“Unemployed youths will be able to take loan without any string for going abroad with jobs from this bank and repay the money after earning there,” says a provision of the law.

Azad said the bank has been established to encourage investment by immigrants back at home and boost remittance inflow. The existing Employment Bank will oversee its activities and the government will appoint the chairman of the board of directors.

The cabinet also gave final approval to another draft law titled Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act 2010.


BDST/1520, July 04, 2010