A novel government initiative to launch a fund styled 'Stand Alone Fund' to boost country image abroad couldn't take off for delays in making necessary money available, officials said.
Allocation for overseas campaign funds to mobilize support for the government has long been hanging in the balance despite repeated demand by the foreign ministry, they said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had sought an allocation of $0.4 million from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in April and December 2014 for the 'Stand Alone Fund' for the current fiscal year.
The fund has been formed aiming to gather or receive mandate from different countries in favour of the Awami League-led coalition government's various activities, like the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issue, and enhancing its image and popularity, sources said. Â
The Prime Minister has approved the formation of the prestige fund for operating overseas campaign. But there is no 'visible progress' from the authorities concerned in spite of seeking allocation again and again.
A US firm, BGR-Group, has been appointed for one year from April 01, 2014 to March 31, 2015 to kick off overseas campaign to increase support to and popularity of the government around the world.
Monthly remuneration of the foreign co has been fixed at $25,000.
Besides, travel expenses, local hospitality and ordinary and out-of-pocket expenses, including all kinds of logistics, will be borne by government.
The USA firm has been operating campaign in favour of the present government on the basis of assurance by the MoFA about the pay and perks.
A high official of the MoF said the MoFA has requested an allocation of US$ 0.4 million for conducting overseas campaign through a US firm.
 "There is no detailed explanation about the formation of Stand Alone Fund. No policy has been formulated in this connection to date."
He, however, holds the view that there is no lawful scope to form such Stand Alone Fund according to the general financial rules.
 "So, the MoF thinks that an analysis should be needed as to whether it violates the law or not."
Presently, the MoFA is footing the bill on this score from the special-expenditure sector under its miscellaneous head.
Some Tk 80.0 million has been allocated from its miscellaneous sector for the current fiscal year.
In the past fiscal year, some Tk 70 million was allocated to the miscellaneous sector. In this context, the MoF is likely to allocate US$ 0.4 million to the existing miscellaneous sector instead of the stand-alone fund.
Mahbub Ahmed, senior secretary of the MoF, is supposed to send a proposal in this regard Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith for direction and taking next steps for allocation of the funds to the existing miscellaneous sector.
The senior secretary could not be reached for comment in this connection despite repeated attempts over phone. Â
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Planned \\\'Stand Alone Fund\\\' stands still
Rezaul Karim | Published: January 09, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00
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