The government yesterday issued a circular extending the service age of the freedom fighter officials and employees by two years.

Earlier, the cabinet approved the Public Service (retirement) (amendment) Bill 2009, which says that the retirement age has been extended from 57 to 59 years.

According to the circular, those government officials and employees who went on leave preparatory retirement (LPR) would also enjoy the extension of service age.

The freedom fighter civil servants will submit their certificates to the liberation war ministry, which will be verified, read the circular, adding that the ministry will also issue a separate certificate on verification.

It said if the posts of the officials and employees who went on LPR have fallen vacant in the meantime they would be appointed as officer on special duty (OSD) or given supernumerary appointment.

The vacation of those who went on LPR will be regarded as service vacation till the day before they join service, the circular added.