The interim government has decided to keep the Universal Pension Scheme in place until a new system is introduced.
The decision follows a meeting chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday, where the current state of the pension scheme was thoroughly reviewed, UNB reports.
"The Universal Pension Scheme will continue as it is for now, in line with the adviser's approval," said Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Majumdar, confirmed the matter.
The scheme, which was launched last year, aims to provide a sustainable social security framework for the entire population.
Golam Mostafa, a member of the Universal Pension authority, added that during the meeting, discussions covered the four existing schemes -- Probash, Progoti, Surakkha, and Samata—and their operations.
"We have briefed the finance adviser on our activities so far. Based on that, he has decided to maintain the current structure until further notice," he said.
He also noted that the ongoing operations would persist until a new scheme is announced.
Universal Pension Scheme was introduced to bring people from all walks of life under a comprehensive social security system.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the scheme on August 17, 2023, and registrations began shortly afterward.
Initially, the then government launched four schemes—Probash (for expatriate Bangladeshis), Progoti, Surakkha, and Samata. A fifth scheme, Prottoy, was later introduced for employees of autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, but it was later scrapped following protests by teachers.
As of now, 372,094 people have registered for the Universal Pension Scheme, contributing a total of Tk 123.56 crore. Out of this, Tk 116.69 crore has been invested in government treasury bonds.
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