Inclusion of maternal allowance in budget demanded

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Speakers at a discussion in the city said women empowerment, increasing dignity, decreasing maternal deaths and birth registration would be ensured if the maternity allowance is included in the new budget, reports BSS.
The discussion on "Maternity allowance in budget" was jointly organised by Journalists Associa-tion for Human Rights (JAHR) and Peace Rights Development of Society (PRDS) at the auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) Wednesday.
They appreciated the allocation of Tk 170 million (17 crore) in the proposed budget for 45,000 pregnant mothers in 300 unions of the country.
Former adviser of the Caretaker Gover-nment M Hafiz Uddin Khan addressed the programme as the chief guest with former additional secretary Abdul Halim in the chair.
Among others, News Editor of the daily News Today Shafiul Alam Ratan, Chairperson of Shishu Adhikar Forum Wahida Banu, cultural activist Sadek Siddiqui, JAHR Secretary General Ashif Mahmud Faruk and PRDS Executive Director Zakir Ahmed took part in the discussion.