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Published : 11 May 2026, 07:42 PM
Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder has said it is “especially necessary” to bring all citizens of the country under a pension framework, stressing that building a sustainable social security system is now a national priority.
He said expanding pension coverage is essential for establishing a welfare state.
“A sustainable social security structure is now the demand of the time,” he said, adding that inclusion of all sections of society in a pension system is “particularly important” for a welfare-oriented state.
His remarks were made at a workshop titled “Capacity and Potential of the National Pension Authority” held at the authority’s conference room on Saturday, according to a media statement issued Monday by the Ministry of Finance.
The secretary expressed hope that if citizens above 18 years of age are brought under universal pension schemes -- Probash, Progoti, Shurokha and Surakkha -- a structured social and financial safety system could be established.
He also instructed the National Pension Authority to intensify promotional activities, organise seminars and workshops, and hold meetings to ensure inclusion of all groups in the scheme.
He stressed the need for an effective communication strategy and assured full support from the Finance Division.
The workshop was organised to identify challenges in implementing the “Universal Pension Scheme” and to find solutions.
Discussions covered existing schemes, their rationale, features, investment and registration data, challenges, a two-month action plan, and possible amendments to rules.
The universal pension scheme was launched in August 2023 under the then Awami League government to ensure financial security in old age.
Within a year of its introduction, the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina was brought down in a student-led mass uprising.
Initially, the four schemes were introduced. A fifth scheme, Pratyay, aimed at government and autonomous employees, faced resistance and was not implemented.
After the BNP government took office, the National Pension Authority was restructured, with Md Suruzzaman appointed as executive chairman and Sheikh Kamrul Hasan as member.
