The profit rate on investments for subscribers of the Universal Pension Scheme has been fixed between 11.68% and 11.72% for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
The decision was approved on Thursday (September 17) during the 4th meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Pension Authority (NPA). The high-level meeting was held at the Bangladesh Secretariat, presided over by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, MP.
The meeting featured comprehensive discussions aimed at making the state-sponsored pension initiative more citizen-centric, dynamic, and inclusive, alongside reviewing implementation progress from previous sessions.
Key Decisions and Proposals Approved
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Profit Distribution: With the formal approval from the board, the newly designated returns will be credited directly to the accounts of participating subscribers based on their investments for the 2025–26 financial year.
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Extended Nominee Benefits: To make the framework more attractive, the board discussed allowing a pensioner’s nominee to receive financial coverage up to 80 years of age (raised from the previous limit of 75 years) following the subscriber’s passing.
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Islamic/Shariah-Based Version: A significant emphasis was placed on rolling out an Islamic version of the Universal Pension Scheme. Preparations for Shariah-compliant frameworks across the existing Probash, Pragati, Surokkha, and Samata schemes were reviewed to better engage the country’s Muslim population.
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Emergency Fund Withdrawals: The board addressed special flexibility for subscribers. Under a proposed provision, individuals facing severe financial or physical hardships would be permitted to withdraw their deposited funds under specific terms after contributing for a minimum of five consecutive years.
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Boost in Registration Commissions: To accelerate network outreach and encourage registration growth, the board reviewed a proposal to raise the commission for Union Digital Centers (UDCs) from BDT 15 to BDT 25. Parallel discussions evaluated partner compensations across commercial banks, the postal department, and Mobile Financial Services (MFS).
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Healthcare Integration: The meeting also explored preliminary pathways for introducing affordable health insurance coverage for scheme members.
Broad Institutional Participation
The meeting brought together key policymakers and sector leaders, including the Finance Secretary, various ministry secretaries, the Governor’s representative from Bangladesh Bank, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), and the Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), among others.
Concluding the session, the board directed relevant stakeholders to swiftly execute the approved policies, reinforcing the government’s long-term commitment to securing social and economic safety nets for citizens across all professions.
