Universal Pension Scheme profit rate raised to 11.72pc

The profit rate for subscribers to Bangladesh’s Universal Pension Scheme has been increased to 11.72 per cent for the 2025-26 fiscal year, up from 11.68 per cent previously.

The approval was given at the fourth meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Pension Authority (NPA) held on Thursday, according to a press release issued by the Finance Ministry.

The meeting was chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury at the conference room of the Finance Division. NPA Executive Chairman Dr Md Suratul Zaman, who is also the board’s member-secretary, conducted the meeting.

The board reviewed the overall activities of the Universal Pension Scheme and discussed several proposals aimed at expanding subscriber facilities and making investment and management of the scheme more effective.

The profit to be paid against investments made during the 2025-26 fiscal year was one of the key issues discussed at the meeting. Following the discussion, the board approved payment of the profit at the revised rate. As a result, the specified profit will be credited to subscribers’ accounts against investments made during the fiscal year.

The meeting also approved an important change concerning nominees of pension subscribers. Under the new decision, a nominee will be eligible to receive pension until the age of 80 years, instead of the previous limit of 75 years, after the death of the pensioner.

The board also discussed introducing Shariah-based versions of the Universal Pension Scheme. Preparations and necessary activities for launching Islamic versions of the Pragati, Surakkha, Samata and Probash schemes were discussed.

The proposed Shariah-based schemes would be operated through investments compliant with Islamic principles. The authorities expect that the initiative could encourage greater participation in the Universal Pension Scheme among people seeking Shariah-compliant investment options.

The meeting also considered providing subscribers with an opportunity to withdraw money under certain special circumstances.

A proposal was discussed to allow subscribers who have contributed for at least five years to withdraw money subject to specified conditions in cases such as physical or financial incapacity. The board decided to prepare specific recommendations on the matter for further consideration.

The meeting also discussed increasing commissions paid to Union Digital Centres to encourage registration under the pension scheme. The proposed commission has been increased from Tk15 to Tk25 per subscriber.

At the same time, the meeting discussed determining commission structures for banks, the postal department, mobile financial services and other authorised institutions involved in facilitating subscriber registration.

The board also discussed the possibility of introducing health insurance facilities under the Universal Pension Scheme.
Progress in implementing decisions taken at previous board meetings was also reviewed. Following discussions on various proposals, the authorities concerned were instructed to take necessary steps to make the pension system more sustainable, effective and subscriber-friendly.

The National Pension Authority said the Universal Pension Scheme is being implemented with the objective of bringing people from all sections of society under long-term social and financial security.

It said efforts are underway to expand the scheme by increasing subscribers’ confidence, providing returns from investments and introducing new facilities.

Officials from various ministries and divisions, a representative of the Bangladesh Bank governor, the chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), the administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), among others, attended the meeting.