The Universal Pension Scheme 2023 was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on August 17th. This scheme is a pathway to self-sustained retirement for citizens. Even individuals with modest incomes are going to have the opportunity to prepare for a self-sustained retirement within their financial capabilities. A distinctive sub-scheme named 'Samata' covers this majority, tailoring pension contributions according to their earnings. Aspiring recipients can effortlessly enrol in this universal pension scheme, provided they meet the fundamental criteria. Let's delve into the process, how the low income people in Bangladesh can enrol in the Samata Universal Pension Scheme.  Primary Terms and Conditions of Universal Pension Scheme 2023 Each and every skilled individual across the nation has the opportunity to engage in the universal pension scheme, a platform of financial security. However, this privilege comes with the prerequisite of meeting fundamental requirements.  The inclusive provisions outlined in the Public Pension Management Act of 2023 are detailed below: - Eligibility spans individuals aged 18 to 50, verified through their National Identity Card or NID. Individuals over 50 can participate, under special consideration, for a decade, becoming eligible for lifelong monthly pensions post 10 years of consistent contributions. - Commencing the scheme mandates online registration with accurate details. Beneficiaries of existing social security programs can transition into this scheme after their current benefits cease. - A dedicated account, assigned to each registrant, will manage all aspects of their scheme-related finances. - Contingencies in the pensioner's lifespan are accounted for. In case of their demise, the recipient's chosen nominee will later receive the monthly pension payments. The duration for which the nominee will be entitled to receive this pension extends up to the principal pensioner's age of 75 years. For instance, if the principal pensioner passes away at the age of 68, the nominee will continue to receive the monthly pensions for the subsequent 7 years. - The scheme registrant may pass away while actively contributing before the pension scheme reaches its full maturity. In this scenario, the designated nominee will receive the entirety of the funds deposited along with accrued profits. It's worth noting that the contribution period for each tier of the pension scheme spans a minimum of 10 years. - The government services accessed via Mobile Financial Services (MFS) incur a cash-out charge of 0.70 percent, or BDT 7 per thousand. It extends to this scheme as well, as per a Ministry of Finance circular issued on August 16. Read more: Surokkha Universal Pension Scheme: Registration Process for Bangladeshi Self-Employed and Non-Institutionalized Workers Samata: Universal Pension Scheme for Bangladeshi Low Income People Table: Monthly pension against the installment rate in the Samata scheme Monthly Subscription Rate BDT 1,000 (Contributor BDT 500 + Government Part BDT 500) Total Period of Subscription (in years) Potential Monthly Pension (BDT) 42 34,465 40 29,200 35 19,187 30 12,466 25 7,955 20 4,927 15 2,894 10 1,530 Source: https://upension.gov.bd/Public/Packages, Bangladesh Gazette, Extra, August 13, 2023 The subscription rate is designed for individuals residing below the poverty line. Only those with an income not exceeding BDT 60,000 per annum are eligible for the Samata scheme. Half of their stipulated contribution is subsidized by the government, while they bear the remaining half. Read more: Pragati Universal Pension Scheme: Registration Process for Bangladeshi Non-Government Employees Registration Process for Samata Package under Universal Pension Scheme 2023 Access to the pension scheme is channeled through the Unpension website, commencing with the 'Pensioner Registration' menu. Consent to Basic Terms  A trio of pivotal terms and conditions must be agreed upon initially: - The applicant must not be employed by governmental or semi-governmental bodies. - The candidate must not be enjoying privileges from any governmental or autonomous institution. - The candidate must not be receiving benefits from any social security program. The registration page can be accessed by clicking on the 'I agree' button below. Without obtaining this consent, the application cannot be initiated. In the event that any exception to the aforementioned conditions is identified subsequent to the commencement of subscription, the complete registration will be annulled. Additionally, individuals who provide incorrect information will not be eligible for a refund of any funds deposited as subscriptions. Scheme Category and Identification This marks the first page of registration, wherein the category 'Person in Low Income' must be chosen from the provided options. Subsequently, a 17, 13, or 10-digit NID number, along with the date of birth, will be required to verify identity. A regularly used mobile number and email address need to be provided for communication purposes.  Upon entering the details, an OTP or one-time password will be dispatched to both the email address and mobile number for verification. This OTP is required to be entered in the designated area of the online form. Finally, the captcha below needs to be completed without errors before submission, leading to the commencement of the next section. Read more: Bangladesh Smart National ID Card Correction Process: Payments and Necessary Documents Personal Details Given that the NID number is provided on the preceding page, the candidate will encounter their personal details, which have been pre-filled. These details encompass the candidate's NID number, photograph, full name in Bengali and English, father and mother's names, as well as permanent and current addresses. In the case of District, Upazila and Division, candidates must select their respective locations from the dropdown lists. Determining Occupation In this section, low-income workers are required to select their occupation from the range of occupations mentioned in the list. Within the annual income space, the total income for twelve months must be entered. Determining Subscription for the Scheme In this pivotal phase, scheme beneficiaries are to specify the installment of subscription they wish to undertake. Candidates have the flexibility to choose from three modes of contribution: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annually. Bank Details The contributor's bank details are required to be entered here. These account details must align precisely with the information provided while opening the account at the corresponding bank. This entails no discrepancies in the account holder's name, account number, or account type, whether it's savings or current.  Each bank is assigned a unique 9-digit routing number, which needs to be inserted in the space adjacent to the routing number. For those unfamiliar with the number, a 'Don’t know the Routing Number' button is available next to it.  Clicking this button will generate a small box containing two separate dropdown lists: one for the bank and another for its branch. The appropriate bank and branch should be selected from these lists. Candidates can also choose a branch near them. As soon as the information is entered, the box will disappear and the corresponding cell next to the routing number will be filled. Read more: How to Deactivate TIN in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Guide Nominee Section This is the part of the nominee, responsible for receiving the deposited amount as pension or contribution along with the profit in the absence of the pensioner or contributor. Initially, the nominee's NID number and date of birth will be required, followed by clicking the 'Add Nominee' section below.  Consequently, the remaining portion will include fields for the nominee's mobile number, their relationship with the candidate, and the proportion of the candidate's share they will receive. For a single nominee, the candidate's total amount is required to be entered. If necessary, candidates can add multiple nominees by clicking the 'Add more nominee' button. Each nominee's respective share must then be specified. Overall Verification All information provided thus far will be consolidated in this final section of the application. Registration will be deemed complete upon thorough verification of the accuracy of the details and subsequent submission. After submitting the application successfully, the applicant can download it and preserve it for future reference and potential use. Read more: Smart NID Card in Bangladesh: Online Application Process, Documents Needed, Fees How to Subscribe to the Samata Scheme The information regarding installments will be dispatched to the applicant’s mobile number and email address provided during the online registration.  Each installment must be punctually deposited into the National Pension Authority's designated bank account.  In the event of failure to meet the deadline, a grace period of up to one month will be granted to pay the installment without incurring penalties.  If the installment remains unpaid beyond this supplementary period, a penalty will be imposed at a rate of 1 percent for each consecutive day. Consistent failure to fulfill subscription obligations will lead to the registrant's scheme account being deactivated. Bottom Line Pension schemes could potentially give people a scope to secure their future. The low income citizens of Bangladesh can also benefit from the Universal Pension Scheme 2023. The Samata pension scheme has been especially designed to cater to the needs of the low income people of Bangladesh. So far, we have discussed the process of registering for the Samata package under the Universal Pension Scheme 2023. Hope it helps! Read more: Universal Pension Probash Scheme: Registration Process for Expatriate Bangladeshis

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said though the lowly-paid workers and day-labourers have been the worst victims of the pandemic, the government has not yet made any specific allocation for them. Speaking at a virtual discussion, he also alleged that pro-ruling party people are mainly taking benefits of the stimulus packages announced by the government for the pandemic victims. “We’ve repeatedly said the government should help mainly those who live from hand to mouth and those who work in the informal and SME sectors during the corona period. Our poor brothers and sisters have been suffering most since the outbreak of the pandemic, but there’s no allocation for them in the packages announced by the government. There’s no specific allocation for them,” Fakhrul said. He said their party proposed providing each affected worker with a one-time incentive of at least Tk 15,000 for three months, but the government did not pay heed to it. "Government officials and the cohorts of Awami League are taking away all the incentives that have been announced for owners.” Also read: Govt doing business in Covid’s name: BNP Jatityatabadi Sramik Dal, the workers’ wing of BNP, arranged the virtual programme marking its 42nd founding anniversary and historic May Day. Fakhrul criticised the government for extending the lockdown without taking any step to mitigate the sufferings of the poor, workers and the day-labourers. “The government has enforced the lockdown without taking any step for easing the sufferings of the day-labourers and other lowly-paid workers and the poor. They did it to make their political gains by carrying out crackdowns in the name of the lockdown.” The BNP leader said the government has been arresting the leaders and activists of different Islamic and student organisations taking advantage of the lockdown. “They (govt) are arresting those who speak against them. The entire nation has become hostage to them.” He urged the young generation and the workers to get united and play a leading role in a movement for establishing a pro-people government and people’s basic rights. Also read: Engaging single organisation in buying vaccines a ‘suicidal’ move: BNP Khaleda’s condition About the health condition of their party chairperson Khaleda Zia, Fakhrul said she was moved to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of the Evercare Hospital on Monday due to the shortness of breath. “She’s is still in the CCU, and she’s being given oxygen. Her condition is now stable,” he said. Fakhrul said doctors are hopeful that Khaleda will recover soon.  He urged all to pray for her speedy recovery. Khaleda, tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time on April 24, was admitted to Evercare Hospital on April 27 for a thorough health checkup. On April 28, a 10-member medical board, headed by Prof Shahabuddin Talukder, was formed for the treatment of Khaleda at the Evercare Hospital a day after her admission there. Khaleda Zia tested positive for Covid-19 on April 10 as eight people at her residence were infected with the virus. She underwent the second Covid-19 test on April 24 and her report was positive.

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has started the distribution of Ramadan food packs among 15,300 poor families hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. With the support of Qatar Red Crescent Society, the food packages are being distributed among the poor depending on daily labour in the capital and several districts. Of them, 500 families are getting the food support in Dhaka city, while 1,000 families in Rajshahi city, 1,000 others in Rajshahi district, 500 families each in Narsingdi, Munshiganj and Narayanganj districts, as well as 10,300 families from displaced Rohingya living in Ukhia Camp-11 and local community in Ukhia of Cox’s Bazar. Also read: Local Red Crescent chapter receives 4 ambulances equipped against COVID-19 Besides, 1,000 other families are receiving  food assistance through the headquarters of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The food packages are also being distributed maintaining the health hygiene rules amid the Covid-19 pandemic, said a press release on Sunday. Ultra-poor, helpless, disability and low-income families are given priority in the selection of beneficiaries for the food assistance. Also read: Covid-19: Red Crescent Society launches isolation, treatment centers in Cox's Bazar Date, pulse, soybean oil, sugar, salt, puffed rice, chira, chickpea, and vermicelli are included  in the food packs. Director of Disaster Response Division of the Society Mizanur Rahman said the distribution of Ramadan food packages is a part of the humanitarian assistance of the Red Crescent Society.     “The Ramadan food packages will be distributed among total 15,300 families,” he said. Also read: Red Crescent donates PPE to 4 Covid-19 dedicated hospitals Besides, under the initiative of Red Crescent Society, the distribution of cooked healthy food among extreme poor and low-income floating people continue in Dhaka, Chattogram, Habiganj, Barguna, Munshiganj and Sunamganj amid the Covid-19 lockdown. A total of 8,016 packets of cooked food were distributed among the poor from April 18 to April 22 last during the lockdown, said Mizanur Rahman. Moreover, the disbursement of food packages among 4,000 extreme poor and low-income people in both Amphan and Covid-19-affected four districts – Khulna, Satkira, Bagerhat and Pirojpur – continues under the initiative of the society with the support from HSBC bank. Read Covid-19 in Bangladesh: PM allocates Tk 10.50cr for affected poor