Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the highly anticipated Universal Pension Scheme on Thursday (17 Agust), with the aim of extending pension coverage to all citizens aged above 18 in the country. The inauguration took place during a virtual ceremony held at her official residence, Ganabhaban. Participants and beneficiaries joined from various locations, including Gopalganj, Bagerhat, Rangpur districts, and the Bangladesh embassy in Saudi Arabia.
The Universal Pension Scheme introduces four out of the planned six packages: Pragati, Surokkha, Samata, and Prabashi. These packages cater to different segments of the population, such as private job holders, self-employed individuals, low-income earners, and expatriate Bangladeshis. The remaining two packages are set to be launched at a later date.
Citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to enroll in the scheme, which provides a pension upon retirement. Participants contribute through installments until the age of 60. Even those above 50 years old can join the program, but they are required to pay installments for a continuous period of 10 years.
During the event, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder also addressed the audience. The function was moderated by PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, while the welcome speech was delivered by Senior Secretary of the Finance Division, Fatima Yasmin. A video documentary outlining the Universal Pension Scheme was also screened.
