The profit rate for subscribers to Universal Pension Scheme against their investments during the 2025-26 financial year has been set at 11.72 percent, up from the previously announced 11.68 percent.
The decision was approved at the fourth meeting of the Board of the National Pension Authority (NPA) held at the Finance Division conference room on Thursday, with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair.
NPA Executive Chairman Dr Md Surajuzzaman, who is also the member-secretary of the board, conducted the meeting.
The board reviewed the overall activities of the Universal Pension Scheme and discussed a number of proposals aimed at expanding benefits for subscribers and making investment and management of the pension funds more effective.
The approval for distributing profits on investments made during FY2025-26 was one of the key agenda items.
Following the approval, the profit at the approved rate will be credited to the accounts of eligible subscribers against their investments for the financial year.
The meeting also decided to consider extending the period for which a nominee can receive pension after the death of a pensioner from 75 years to 80 years.
The board also discussed a proposal to introduce Islamic versions of the four existing pension schemes — Probash, Progoti, Surakkha and Samata.
The proposed versions would be operated through Shariah-compliant investment arrangements. The meeting discussed preparations and other related activities required to introduce such versions.
The NPA expects that the introduction of Shariah-based pension schemes could encourage greater participation in the Universal Pension Scheme among sections of the Muslim population.
The meeting also discussed allowing subscribers to withdraw money under certain special circumstances.
A proposal was considered to allow subscribers who have contributed for at least five years to withdraw funds subject to prescribed conditions in cases such as physical or financial incapacity. The board decided that a specific proposal with recommendations and conditions should be prepared for further consideration.
To increase subscriber enrolment, the meeting discussed raising the commission paid to Union Digital Centres for registration services.
The existing commission of Tk15 has been proposed to be increased to Tk25. The meeting also discussed determining commissions for banks, the postal department, mobile financial service providers and other authorised institutions involved in providing pension-related services.
The introduction of health insurance under the Universal Pension Scheme was another issue discussed at the meeting.
The board also reviewed progress in implementing decisions taken at its previous meeting.
The NPA said the Universal Pension Scheme is being implemented with the objective of bringing people from all sections of society under a long-term social and financial security system.
It said measures are being taken to strengthen subscribers’ confidence, ensure that they receive returns from investments and introduce additional facilities to expand the scheme.
The meeting was attended by the finance secretary, secretaries of different ministries, a representative of the Bangladesh Bank governor, the chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, the administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), among others.