Ensure pension for all above 60
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the authorities concerned to set up a universal pension scheme for people aged above 60 and also for those who worked in the informal sector.
The pension scheme was in the election manifesto of the ruling Awami League.
The PM gave the directive while witnessing a presentation on "Introduction of Universal Pension Scheme" at the Gono Bhaban, reports UNB.
Meanwhile, the Finance Division of the finance ministry in a press release yesterday said the PM instructed the division to enact a law on an urgent basis to introduce the scheme.
Finance Division Senior Secretary Abdur Rouf Talukder made the presentation on the strategic paper of the "Universal Pension Scheme" before the PM.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, Planning Minister MA Mannan, PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus, senior secretaries and secretaries concerned, among others, were present.
The PM gave directives to officials regarding the strategic paper prepared based on international experience, context of Bangladesh and its economic capacity, the release said.
Finance ministry sources said the World Bank provided financial assistance to conduct the preparatory work on the scheme. A technical unit under the supervision of the Finance Division has been working now in this regard.
According to the strategic paper, a universal pension authority will be created, said sources.
The government plans to launch the scheme for workers and employees of the institutional sectors on a pilot basis initially, they added.
To implement the scheme, the government will create a fund with contributions from the institutions concerned and respective beneficiaries.
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