special
Those who claim situation in Myanmar 'not conducive' for repatriation never visited Rakhine : Chinese Ambassador Yao
Highlighting the importance of joint global efforts to realize repatriation of the Rohingyas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said those who keep claiming situations in Myanmar “not conducive” for repatriation have seldom visited Myanmar's Rakhine State.
"It’s quite strange. And they didn't answer the question whether situation in Cox's Bazar is right for the displaced people to live a decent life. This is something they have to ask themselves," he told UNB in an exclusive interview on Thursday.
The current influx of Rohingyas took place on August 25, 2017, which has seen its 6th anniversary Friday.
“The Rohingya issue has plagued Bangladesh and Myanmar for long. Over the years, Bangladesh has made great sacrifices by sheltering these displaced people. However, the security situation in the camps is deteriorating rapidly,” said Ambassador Yao, noting that killings, gun fights, kidnapping, drug and human trafficking are rampant in the Cox’s Bazar camps.
"External assistance is also heading down. The food ration for the displaced people has been reduced from 12 to 8 US dollars per person per month, which is far from enough for sustaining lives," he added.
Saying that all parties have increasingly realized repatriation is the only way out, the Chinese envoy stressed that Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has also repeatedly expressed her firm resolve and determination for repatriation.
Read: ‘China adheres to true multilateralism’: Ambassador Yao Wen
“Though the Rohingya issue is by nature a bilateral one between Bangladesh and Myanmar, China, as a common neighbor of both countries and permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, supports the two sides to settle differences through friendly consultations, so as to maintain peace and stability in the region,” said the ambassador.
In 2018, China put forward the three-step proposition on improvement of situation in Rakhine State of Myanmar, namely to “stop violence, start repatriation and focus on development.”
“Over the years, China has offered tremendous help within its capability,” said the ambassador, "We have urged Myanmar to improve the security situation in Rakhine State, helped Bangladesh and Myanmar promote conditions of repatriation and resettlement facilities, provided good office for direct talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar, and called on the international community to encourage and support both sides," he elaborated.
Read: Bangladesh's youth makes it 'vigorous' in Chinese eyes: Amb. Yao Wen
According to him, China's mediating and facilitating role has won respect, recognition and trust from both Bangladesh and Myanmar, and helped the two countries enhance their trust on each other.
Something positive seems to be happening.
This year by far, Myanmar has shown stronger will and increasing flexibility to take back some of the displaced people, according to the Chinese envoy.
National Adaptation Plan aims to achieve climate-resilience by 2050
The government has adapted the USD 230 billion National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which envisions building a climate-resilient nation through effective adaptation strategies that foster a robust society and ecosystems and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
The plan primarily encompasses eight distinct sectors: water resources; disaster; social safety and security; agriculture; fisheries, aquaculture, and livestock; urban areas; ecosystems, wetlands, and biodiversity; policies and institutions; and capacity development, research, and innovation, according to an official document.
Total financing requirement to implement the NAP amounts to USD 230 billion, 72.5 percent of which is proposed to be mobilised by 2040.
$230bn needed: PM seeks support from global partners to implement climate adaptation plan
As per the document, the NAP implementation will seek to realise six goals through 23 broad-scale strategies and 28 outcomes encompassing diverse aspects of safeguarding against climate- induced disasters.
It will develop climate-resilient agriculture, infrastructure, and other socioeconomic sectors through implementing inclusive and ecosystem-based adaptation, improved governance, enhanced climate finance and transformative capacity-building, and innovation.
The NAP considered 11 climate stress areas in devising 113 interventions based on developed adaptation pathways and sectoral adaptation requirements.
Bangladesh seeks financial support for climate adaptation activities
These interventions are aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 52 climate adaptation projects of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (BDP2100).
They ensure the inclusion of women and people with diverse gender identities, the elderly, persons with disabilities, youth, ethnic communities, and other socially disadvantaged groups throughout the NAP process.
As per the document, Bangladesh is high on the list of countries most vulnerable to climate change, ranking seventh on the 2021 World Climate Risk Index.
Cabinet sends back National Adaptation Plan on climate change for modification
Keeping this in mind, over the decades, Bangladesh has advanced substantially in building adaptive capacity and resilience through the formulation and implementation of required policies and regulatory frameworks for enabling climate-resilient sustainable development.
The government has adopted the NAP in October 2022 to be implemented during a time span of 27 years to 2050. Bangladesh also submitted an updated NDC in August 2021.
Now the government is updating the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP, 2009) making it aligned with the NAP and updated NDC.
Furthermore, the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MCPP) was launched during Bangladesh’s second tenure as president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).
The plan aims to ensure that Bangladesh’s development trajectory evolves from vulnerability to resilience to prosperity (VRP).
Under the MCPP, Bangladesh intends to obtain 30 percent of energy from renewables by 2030.
Under the updated NDC, the targeted reduction of GHG emissions by Bangladesh will be implemented through a set of mitigation actions, including implementation of renewable energy projects, enhanced efficiency of existing power plants, use of improved technology for power generation, improvement of fuel efficiency for transport sub-sector, increasing energy efficiency in the industry sub-sectors, and enhanced use of solar energy in agriculture, etc.
There will be improved technology used in brick kilns and enhanced use of energy-efficient appliances in household and commercial buildings. Besides, there will be a focus on the reduction of emissions from rice fields, fertiliser uses, enteric fermentation etc.
Furthermore, the document stated that prevention of deforestation, reforestation/afforestation, improved municipal solid waste management, and use of the 3R principle for waste management are emphasised.
Off-season Gourmoti mangoes could be profitable for Thakurgaon
Gourmoti, a new off-season variety of mango, could be profitable for Thakurgaon.
Two mango farmers, Mahabbat Ali and his nephew Bulbul Ali, of Dakkhin Bangaon area in Ranishankail upazila have succeeded in producing the Gourmoti variety of mangoes. This variety gained popularity in the area due to its sweetness and deliciousness.
Farmers expected to sell the mangoes worth Tk 40 lakh this season.
Bangladesh exports 2,700 tons of mangoes to 34 countries in current season
Mahabbat Ali told the UNB correspondent that he along with his nephew Bulbul planted 1000 saplings of late variety mangoes on 14 bigha of land four years back.
During a recent visit to the mango orchard, this correspondent found that they used fruit bags in their orchard and a total of 400-450 maund of mangoes were to be harvested from the trees.
The weight of each mango is 650-800 grams and per maund mango is being sold at Tk 10,000-12,000.
Clash over ‘selling rotten mangoes’ leaves 75-year-old dead in Lalmonirhat
Many thronged the orchard of Mahabbat-Bulbul and showed interest in growing this variety of mangoes.
Shahidul Islam, Ranishankail Upazila Agriculture Officer, said, “This variety of mango tastes sweet and the farmers can sell them in the local market at a higher price due to its availability during off season.”
Langra and Ashina mangoes recognised as GI product
He also assured of providing all necessary support to farmers who wanted to grow this variety of mango on their land.
Help us return home in Myanmar, Rohingyas appeal
"We kept raising our voices in our language. The international community is not paying heed. We are conveying our message in English too. Still, they don't pay heed. We are disappointed. We are not just victims, we are survivors repeatedly asking them to ensure accountability," Sayeeda, a Rohingya, said while addressing a huge crowd at Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar.
She said she can never forget this day, August 25, and mentioned that in the last six years they could not visit or see their homes in Myanmar.
"Justice has been delayed, justice has been denied," a tearful Sayeeda said.
"We want to return home to Myanmar," she said. Their collective demand is that Rohingyas must be able to return to their original homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
Other demands include assurances of safety, security, and dignity — all within the upcoming summer, restoration of Myanmar citizenship with full rights like 135 other ethnic groups of Myanmar.
Boni Amin, now a 10-year-old, came here from Myanmar six years ago with eight of his family members amid military crackdown there. "I remember how houses were burned and the military forced us to leave our homes," the boy told UNB at the Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar. He said they want to return to their homes.
Rohingya leaders at today’s rally said they want to appeal to the Myanmar government to allow them to return and stay in Myanmar like before — peacefully coexisting with other ethnic groups as citizens.
They said the Rohingya people have a significant contribution to the economy, prosperity and stability of Myanmar.
The Rohingyas drew the attention of the international community and UN organizations to take positive steps regarding their repatriation.
"Help us go back to our homeland Myanmar; that is our country. We do not want to stay in Bangladesh any longer," said Musa, a Rohingya man.
"Let us observe this day not only as a reminder of our shared tragedy but also as a call to action. Let our voices rise above the anguish, demanding justice for the Rohingya people. May our collective efforts pave the way for a world in which such atrocities are never repeated, and where all communities can live in harmony and security, ensuring peaceful stability and development of this region," he said.
Talking to UNB, Nur Jahan who lost her family members, said they want justice and they want to return to their homes if their safety is ensured in Myanmar.
Read: US to pursue justice for Rohingyas and all people of Myanmar: Blinken
She said they want full citizenship rights in Myanmar so that they feel secure.
The Rohingyas got together to commemorate the solemn occasion, Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.
They said their hearts are heavy with the weight of a tragedy that continues to haunt them.
Around 25,000 Rohingyas joined dozens of rallies with the biggest one held in Kutupalong camp with around 10,000 refugees amid heavy rains.
They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for extending hands in their darkest hour.
The Rohingyas demanded exerting international pressure on Myanmar so that they could return to their homes.
Six years after the Rohingya influx in Bangladesh, the government continues its efforts focusing on their safe repatriation, though some countries and international organisations are pushing for their integration in Bangladesh.
“Our priority is that they (Rohingyas) will return to their homeland. Myanmar is also willing to take them back,” said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, noting that Myanmar needs to ensure safety and security of the Rohingyas after their return to their place of origin.
Read: International community must not forget Rohingyas, host community: Volker Türk
On August 25, 2017, Myanmar’s military began carrying out violent operations against the Rohingya population in northern Rakhine state, which resulted in grave crimes under international law. Entire villages were burnt, and hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas were forced to flee into Bangladesh.
The Foreign Minister said the government remains in a firm position regarding their repatriation to Myanmar.
Momen said Bangladesh already has a huge population and it does not need a large number of people from other countries.
The minister said Rohingyas came to Bangladesh in the 1970s, '80s and '90s but every time they returned, even during military rule in the past.
Read: No one should obstruct trial repatriation of Rohingyas: Shahriar
Biman launching Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from Sept 1
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is launching its Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flight from September 1, 2023, Shafiul Azim, managing director and CEO of the national flag carrier, told UNB.
The Biman CEO said that the inaugural flight will take off from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on September 1 at 11:45 pm local time and reach Narita International Airport in Japan on September 2 at 9:15 am local time. The flight, BG-377, from Narita International Airport to Dhaka will take off on September 2.
Read: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts
Azim said Biman flights from Dhaka to Narita will depart every Friday, Monday and Wednesday at 11:45 pm and from Narita to Dhaka, every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines started selling tickets for the Dhaka-Narita (Tokyo) direct flights from July 25. The minimum one-way fare on the route is Tk 70,828 and return ticket price is Tk 1,11,656 per passenger.
Read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO
Biman offered a discount on the occasion of the inauguration of direct flights on the Dhaka-Narita route. The special discount was on till August 15. At the time, the minimum one-way fare on Dhaka-Narita route was Tk 49,100 and return tickets were Tk 84,496 per passenger. Most of the opening flight tickets have already been sold.
According to Biman, the number of Bangladeshis living in Japan is not significant. Japanese nationals engaged in various development projects in Bangladesh are primarily expected to be passengers on the route.
Read: Market mismanagement behind the rise of egg price
The Biman CEO said, “Very soon we are going to start a 24-hour call centre following the international system. Passengers will be able to get all the updated information on flights round the clock.”
As part of the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ goal, automated baggage system will be introduced soon, the Biman Bangladesh Airlines CEO said. “Not even 1 kg of extra baggage will be allowed. The automated baggage system will be functional from September 1.”
Despite ample supply, Hilsa still out of reach of the average buyer
The price of hilsa, a treat Bengalis look forward to during the monsoon, is still high despite ample supply in the wholesale markets of Chandpur district.
The national fish of Bangladesh is still out of reach of the average buyer.
During a recent visit to Chandpur Boro Station fisheries ghat, this correspondent found people busy loading and unloading hilsa as 2,000-2,500 maunds of the fish are coming from the southern districts of the country every day on average.
Read more: Hilsa Ilisha: The National Fish and Silver Pride of Bangladesh
Transportation of hilsa starts from 10 am till afternoon through trucks, pick-up vans and trawlers at the wholesale markets and some 500 workers in the ghat area are involved in loading and unloading the fish.
Hilsa, weighing 700-900 grams each, are of decent sizes too.
People from Dhaka’s Karwanbazar, Azampur, Abdullahpur, Uttara; Gazipur’s Tongi; Tangail; Kishoreganj; Jamalpur, Mymensingh; Sreemangal; and Sylhet come to the wholesale market in Chandpur and take hilsa via trucks and train.
One kg hilsa is being sold at Tk 1,500 while in the retail market it is being sold at Tk 1,800-2,000 and hilsa weighing 500-700 grams is being sold at Tk 900-1,100. The silver fish weighing 900 grams is being sold at Tk 1,400-1,500.
2-month ban on Hilsa fishing to end Sunday midnight
Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts
As the monsoon season arrives each year, the residents of the capital city find themselves grappling with the familiar scourge of flooding.
The root causes of this issue are multifaceted. The city's drainage channels have become repositories for waste and refuse, impeding the swift flow of water. Consequently, even mild rainfall results in waterlogging, affecting several key areas such as Motijheel, Badda, Malibagh, Rampura, Shantinagar, Mouchak, Bailey Road, Kakrail, Gulistan, Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, Mirpur, Tejgaon, Mohammadpur, Bhatara-Basundhara, Khilkhet, and the quarters of Old Dhaka.
The authorities responsible for mitigating these challenges, the two city corporations of Dhaka, however, have expressed optimism about this year's efforts to minimize flooding.
Also read: Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO
They claimed that measures are underway to tackle the problem effectively. However, these aspirations were dampened by the recent heavy rain on August 9, which triggered widespread waterlogging in various parts of the capital. Notable areas affected included Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Dhanmondi, Mogbazar, Motijheel, Kakrail, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Mouchak, Bailey Road, Rampura, and more.
It is this recurring and unaddressed predicament that has left residents disillusioned.
Kamrul Islam, a resident of Rampura, said, “Year after year, our area, Rampura, faces inundation during the rainy season. While officials often assure us of a different outcome, the reality remains unchanged. A slight shower is enough to cause road sinking and waterlogging.”
This recurring issue is not limited to specific areas but extends to locations like Jurain, Shyampur, Jatrabari, Kadmatoli, and Banshri Bhuiya Para.
Also read: Rain-fed waterlogging forces authorities to close schools in Ctg city
Ruhul Amin, a resident of Bhuoyan Para, voiced his frustration and said, “Every year, floods disrupt our lives, primarily due to the lack of infrastructure development and effective drainage systems. Without these upgrades, even moderate rainfall leads to prolonged waterlogging.”
Illegal encroachments on canals, improper drainage systems, and insufficient planning contribute the most to waterlogging.
Since December 31, 2020, the responsibility for drains and canals under the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) was transferred to the city corporations. These entities have been actively engaged in canal cleaning, expansion, and establishment of a quick response team to address immediate flooding, they claimed.
Mayor Atiqul Islam of Dhaka North City Corporation said, “We are systematically cleaning and restoring our extensive drainage network, spanning 1,250 kilometers. These endeavors, coupled with canal waste removal, will hopefully reduce waterlogging significantly this year.”
Also read: Heavy rains: DNCC's Quick Response Team working to handle waterlogging
Additionally, infrastructure construction, canal restoration, and waste removal programs are underway to alleviate the flooding woes, he said.
He further mentioned that a quick response team has been formed.
“Among the areas heavily affected by flooding, Kazipara and Sheorapara suffered the most, a problem now resolved by the drainage system developed by WASA. Additionally, I am currently overseeing work on 29 canals. As part of the restoration efforts, tasks like excavation, cleaning, canal greening, and walkway construction are underway. Furthermore, a canal demarcation program utilizing GIS technology has been initiated. To date, 524 pillars have been successfully installed, while regular canal cleaning operations remain ongoing,” he said.
“The project to reclaim Ibrahimpur, Lautla, Kalyanpur, Rupnagar, Abdullahpur, Civil Aviation, Baishtek, and Baunia Canal from encroachments has been successfully completed,” he added.
According to DNCC sources, there are 103 flood-prone locations in the northern part of the city, with waterlogging occurring even during light rainfall.
He also said plans are underway to establish a state-of-the-art Hydro Ecopark at the Kalyanpur Retention Pond adding that excavation efforts are underway after reclaiming 53 acres of vacant land.
“Some 3 million cubic feet of sludge has already been extracted from the Kalyanpur Retention Pond. As part of a short-term strategy to combat waterlogging, drainage systems are being constructed, and pipelines are being laid from Moghbazar, Madhubagh, Karwan Bazar, Uttara Sector 1, Airport Road, and Banani Railgate to Kakali Mor,” he said.
In a similar vein, Dhaka South City Corporation's Chief City Planner, Sirajul Islam said, "Regular canal and sewer cleaning is ongoing under our jurisdiction. We are also addressing temporary waterlogging stemming from ongoing roadworks, which will be resolved shortly."
Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas of Dhaka South City Corporation said, "Our plans encompass short, medium, and long-term actions to alleviate this issue. Already, the residents are witnessing the benefits of enhanced infrastructure, waste management, canal rehabilitation, and environmental development."
“Earlier, 70 percent of the city used to be submerged during rains. But now the flooding is not happening like before,” said the DSCC mayor.
“Significant progress has been reported on various fronts. Infrastructure construction and development projects have been carried out at 136 locations over the past three years, costing approximately Tk 225 crore,” he said.
According to DSCC's claims, this proactive approach has led to notable improvements, that reduced flooding incidents in previously vulnerable areas such as Palashi Mor, Azimpur Mor, Shanti Nagar, Rajarbagh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Notre Dame College in front of Motijheel area, road in front of Bangladesh Bank and Kamalapur Railway Station, and Sutrapur Industrial Area
The Dhaka South City Corporation has taken steps to renovate four key canals—Shyampur, Manda, Jirani, and Kalungar— he said.
“The undertaking, estimated at Tk 898 crore, includes waste removal, silt management, and development. Meanwhile, the process of rehabilitating the original Buriganga channel, covering around seven kilometers from Kamrangirchar to Rayerbazar, is underway,” he added.
He also said, DSCC has reclaimed control over various canals, box culverts, and sewers.
Since assuming this responsibility, we have removed substantial quantities of waste and silt from these channels, he said.
This is what renowned YouTuber Enayet Chowdhury identifies as deciding factor for his content
Enayet Chowdhury, a researcher-educator from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is a familiar name among those looking for informative content that provide explanations and context of trending topics on YouTube.
The lecturer at BUET’s Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) currently has over half a million subscribers on YouTube, and 648,000 followers on Facebook, making him one of the most successful Bangladeshi content creators in recent times.
Recently, Enayet Chowdhury was invited by the United News of Bangladesh (UNB) where he conducted an exclusive three-day training session on explainer video content making. The training was facilitated by DW Akademie.
Also read: Sharey Showlo is full of suspense: Mamo
In an interview with UNB, Enayet shared his content creation journey, saying that the audiences are the principal catalysts in today’s world and he also evaluates his audiences as the prime stakeholders for his platforms as well.
“I started my content-creation adventure on YouTube and Facebook on May 27, 2020,” Enayet told UNB. “On July 27, 2021, I reached the milestone of acquiring 100,000 followers on my YouTube channel. When I first started making videos in 2020, YouTube didn't have a large volume of edutainment (education + entertainment) content made in Bangladesh. I worked on this genre in Bangladesh, and I hope that it will continue to expand over time.”
When asked about the selection process of his explainer video topics, Enayet explained: “To identify the audience demand is the most important aspect in the current content industry, and I prioritise what my audience wants from me. I often make separate posts on Facebook or YouTube's community tab, asking which topics they would like to get featured.
Also read: Alliance Française de Dhaka celebrates ‘Fête de la Musique 2023’
“Also, in the comments section of my existing videos, viewers often provide their suggestions regarding future topics. For example, the majority of viewers might want explainer videos on trending topics such as Starlink or want to know about personalities like Nikola Tesla; so I identify and make videos accordingly, and this is how the topic selection process works for me.”
Enayet Chowdhury's YouTube channel features various playlists and series, such as the “Simple Explanation Series” and “Think Anticlockwise”. These videos aim to explain complex topics in a simple and understandable manner.
Emphasizing the value of having playlists and series, Enayet said, “On my channel, I also review books and create videos like field reports; I also made videos on subjects like the Language Movement and the Liberation War. I think maintaining playlists is important, and the series with titles help me to remember them and look back whenever I need the videos."
Also read: Splendours of Bangladesh: Gallery Cosmos to bring exclusive watercolour art camp on Friday
These are mostly serious topics, so Enayet adds humour to his videos in a subtle way that keeps his content entertaining. Sometimes with his desktop wallpapers with interesting messages on a yellow backdrop, sometimes with Reddit meme reviews — and almost all the time with his unique speaking style with the “explainer next door” approach.
His other identity is connected to one of Bangladesh's top and most prominent institutions, and when UNB asked how he manages the inevitable comparison between the two, Enayet responded, "When I began teaching, I never dreamed that I would ever become a content creator. I started teaching in 2019, and in 2020, I started making videos. I first thought that, like many YouTubers and TikTokers, people would think less of me; but the fact is that now everyone appreciates and enjoys the quality of my work, and my peers and colleagues are now proud of me, which makes me happy.”
Govt will decide on ground handling at Dhaka airport’s third terminal and Biman is ready: CEO
There has been no official decision yet on the ground handling work at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Shafiul Azim has said.
“The prime minister gave a clear directive during her visit to the airport that the ground handling should be improved, it should be world-class. We have been working to ensure that since then," he said.
“Since then, we have been procuring new equipment. We have already bought new equipment worth Tk 1,000 crore, and a Tk 600-700 crore budget to buy new equipment is in the pipeline. We have recruited manpower as well,” said the national flag carrier CEO.
“There are limitations in this too, but we are working day and night,” he said.
Also read: 12 boarding bridges will be operational when Dhaka Airport’s 3rd Terminal partially opens this Oct: CAAB
A project with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is on, he added.
Universal Pension Scheme: How will it work? What's in it?
In an effort to bring the elderly under a sustainable social security system, the government of Bangladesh has introduced the Universal Pension Scheme today (August 17, 2023).
According to Finance Ministry sources, there are four schemes under the Universal Pension: Probas, Progoti, Surokkha and Samata. Through the schemes, private sector employees and migrant workers will get pensions ranging from a minimum of 2.30 to 12.31 times their total installments.
People aged between 18-50 can join the Universal Pension Scheme, and those aged 60 and above can avail life term pension facilities. People aged 50 and above can also be included in the scheme, and in that case they will get the pension after providing installments for 10 years.
Also read: I want to make everyone’s life meaningful, declares PM Hasina after launching Universal Pension Scheme
Registration process
Those who want to enrol in the Universal Pension Scheme should register at first and people aged 18 and above can join the scheme by using their National Identity Card (NID).
How to provide installment
People can pay their monthly installments from home. The authorities concerned have created an app for this. Migrant workers, who do not have NID cards can join the scheme with their valid passports at banking channels, approved mobile banking services, and foreign exchange houses.
After completing registration, a number will be provided through which the installment and other procedures can be done.
In the rural areas, Union Digital Centres will help people with the registration process and there will be no exchange in the scheme. All dealings will be operated online.
The authorities concerned of the Universal Pension Scheme will open an account at the state-owned Sonali Bank and participants will provide their installments each month to the respective account.
Also read: PM Hasina rolls out long-awaited Universal Pension Scheme
Migrant workers can provide installments from abroad while people can also provide installments to the account directly or through Nagad, bKash and mobile financial services.
Progoti scheme for private sector employees
Private sector employees can open the Progoti scheme by providing Tk 2,000, Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000 installments per month. Fifty percent of the installment will be provided by the employees while the rest will be provided by the companies.
If any private company does not want to join the Universal Pension Scheme, employees can join the scheme on their own.
If any employee joins the scheme at the age of 18 and provides installments of Tk 2,000 per month for 42 years, he/she will be able to get Tk 68,931 as pension per month at the age of 60. During the same period, those who provide Tk 3,000 per month will get Tk 1,03,396 per month, and people who will provide Tk 5,000 installment per month can withdraw Tk 1,72,327 from the scheme per month for life. This means a person who will provide Tk 5,000 installment per month for 42 years will get Tk 3,10,24,800 in total which will be 12.31 percent of the total installments.
Also read: Universal pension system to be rolled out from FY 2023-24
Surokkha for informal sector workers
The Surokkha scheme will be applicable for self-employed and informal sector workers. Farmers, rickshaw pullers, day labourers, blacksmiths, potters, fishermen and weavers can enrol under the scheme.
The installments per month under the scheme can be Tk 1,000, Tk 2,000, Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000. Those who continue the scheme after providing Tk 1,000 per month will get Tk 34,465 as pension per month after 60 years. Besides, those who provide Tk 2,000 per month can withdraw Tk 68,931 per month after 60 years.
People who will provide Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000 per month would be able to withdraw Tk 1,03,396 and Tk 1,72,327 per month for life as pension, respectively.
Samata for the ultra poor
Under the scheme, the monthly installment would be Tk 1,000 and the customer can provide Tk 500 per month while the rest will be provided by the government. People living below extreme poverty level can avail the opportunity. If any person joins the scheme at the age of 18 and provides Tk 500 installment per month he/she will get Tk 34,465 per month as pension after 60 years. Besides, people over 50 years will get Tk 1,530 per month after providing Tk 500 as installment for ten years.
Read more: PM to inaugurate Karnaphuli Tunnel on Oct 28: Quader
Probas for migrant workers
For the migrant workers, the government has fixed Tk 5,000, Tk 7,500, Tk 10,000 installment per month under the scheme and if anyone returns to the country before 60 years, he/she can pay the amount through local currency or exchange the scheme.
They will get their pension in local currency after their scheme matures.
If an 18-year-old migrant workers provides Tk 10,000 per month for 42 years, his/her total amount of the installment will be Tk 50.40 lakh and he/she will be able to withdraw Tk 3,44,655 per month after 60 years till 75. The total amount of pension will be Tk 6,20,37,900 which will be 12.31 percent multiple of the total amount.
Under the same scheme, those who provide Tk 5,000 and 7,500 as installment for 42 years, he/she will get Tk 1,72,327 and Tk 2,58,491 per month after 60 years.
Meanwhile, if someone provides Tk 5,000 per month for a minimum of 10 years under this scheme, then he/she will deposit a total of Tk 6 lakh. In return, he/she will get a total pension of Tk 13,77,180 after getting Tk 7,651 per month from the age of 60, which will be 2.30 percent more than the total amount.
Finance Ministry sources said, the National Pension Authority has sent letters to the deputy commissioners of eight districts--Gopalganj, Sylhet, Rangpur, Pabna, Bagerhat, Mymensingh, Rangamati and Barguna--to introduce the pension on the opening day.
The authorities also sent letters to the Bangladesh missions in Jeddah and Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier, in the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rolled out the much anticipated Universal Pension Scheme, aiming to bring all citizens aged above 18 under the coverage.
She launched the pension scheme, joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. Participants and beneficiaries were connected from three districts -- Gopalganj, Bagerhat and Rangpur -- and the Bangladesh embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Read more: Some foreign powers are taking interest in Bangladesh's election to hinder progress: PM Hasina