It’ll ensure better life for all

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the universal pension scheme will ensure a better life for every citizen.

"We have introduced the pension scheme so that every person can lead a better life," she said while opening the scheme virtually from the Gono Bhaban yesterday.

This scheme aims at bringing the people aged above 18 under its coverage.

Hasina said the government has initially launched four pension schemes -- Pragati, Surokkha, Samata and Prabashi -- and two others will be introduced later.

She said people's love, confidence and trust in her and also in the Awami League is the driving force behind her working for the welfare of the country and its people.

She said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had aimed to give the people a better life, for which he had dedicated his entire life.

"We have introduced the pension scheme in the month of mourning. After seeing our efforts to give the people a beautiful and improved life, the souls of Bangabandhu and Bangamata will get peace."

Hasina said the country's independence gifted by Bangabandhu will not be meaningful if every person doesn't get a better life.

She reiterated her pledge to work for Bangladesh's march towards a developed and prosperous country and to build a hunger and poverty free "Sonar Bangla" as envisioned by the father of the nation. 

The PM thanked all concerned, particularly former finance minister AMA Muhith and the incumbent finance minister, for working to introduce the universal pension scheme.

Hasina, also the AL president, said she wanted to open the pension scheme during the tenure of her government as she feared no other government would initiate such a programme.

"We wanted to introduce the pension scheme staying in power and the election is approaching. It will be good if we stay in power. Otherwise, the scheme will not see the light."

The PM said she had lost everything with the assassination of her father, mother and brothers on August 15, 1975.

"I didn't have my father, mother, and brothers after returning home in 1981. But the countrymen stood beside me. So, I have been working to give every citizen of the country a decent life," she said.

Three districts -- Gopalganj, Bagerhat and Rangpur -- and the Consulate General of Bangladesh in Jeddah were connected to the event through videoconferencing. Hasina exchanged views with some local public representatives, government officials and beneficiaries.

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder also spoke.

A video documentary on the universal pension scheme was screened on the occasion.