Dhaka: A high-level meeting on the progress, challenges, and future action plans of the Universal Pension Scheme was held today, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury at the conference room of his office at Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Executive Chairman of the National Pension Authority Dr. Md. Suratuzzaman, Finance Secretary Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, and senior officials of the Finance Division and the National Pension Authority.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Executive Chairman of the National Pension Authority presented a detailed overview of the current status of the Universal Pension Scheme. The presentation revealed that as of April 30, 2026, a total of 377,545 citizens had been registered under the four pension schemes – Probash, Pragati, Surokkha, and Samata – while total deposits in the pension fund reached approximately Tk 255.70 crore. Including profits, the total investment amount has risen to Tk 279.74 crore.
The meeting was informed that nearly 85 percent of Bangladesh’s labour force is engaged in the informal sector, while the country’s old-age dependency ratio is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. Participants stressed the need to make the Universal Pension Scheme more robust and inclusive, said a Finance Ministry press release.
The Finance Minister emphasized expanding the pension scheme and instructed the authorities to set a target of bringing at least one member from each of the country’s nearly 4 crore families under the scheme by 2030. He also expressed a positive stance on introducing a Shariah-based pension scheme and considering lifetime pension benefits for nominees.
The meeting further discussed the Asian Development Bank’s commitment to providing a concessional loan of US$100 million for strengthening the universal pension system, while feasibility assessment activities are underway.
Officials noted that contributions to the scheme are currently being collected through various banks and financial institutions, as well as digital platforms like bKash, Nagad, and Teletalk. Registration activities are also being conducted through Union Digital Centres across the country.
The Finance Minister highlighted the formation of a pension fund for private sector employees as a major commitment of the government’s Election Manifesto 2026. He underscored the importance of enhancing public confidence in the pension scheme and recruiting skilled manpower for its successful implementation.
The meeting concluded with decisions to take measures to make the Universal Pension Scheme more effective and inclusive. The Finance Minister thanked the National Pension Authority for their efforts and called for continued collective efforts to bring the benefits of the scheme to all citizens.