The profit rate for subscribers of the Universal Pension Scheme (UPS) against investments made during the 2025-26 fiscal year has been set at 11.72 percent, up from the previous rate of 11.68 percent.
The decision was approved at the fourth meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Pension Authority (NPA), held today at 1:00pm at the conference room of the Finance Division.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, MP, chaired the meeting while NPA Executive Chairman Dr Md Suratuzzaman, also the board's member-secretary, conducted the proceedings.
The meeting reviewed the overall activities of the UPS and discussed a number of proposals aimed at expanding subscriber benefits and improving the investment and management of the pension scheme.
The board approved payment of profit to subscribers against investments made during FY2025-26. Accordingly, the approved profit will be credited to the accounts of eligible UPS subscribers at the prescribed rate.
The meeting also decided to extend the period for pension payments to a nominee after the death of a pensioner from 75 years to 80 years, with a view to making the universal pension system more subscriber-friendly and participatory.
The board discussed a proposal to introduce Islamic versions of the four existing schemes-- Probash, Progoti, Surakkha and Samata. It discussed preparations and related activities required to introduce Shariah-based versions of the schemes, including investment in accordance with Islamic principles.
The meeting also discussed allowing subscribers to withdraw money under special circumstances after making contributions for at least five years.
A decision was taken to place a detailed proposal with specific recommendations on the conditions under which subscribers facing physical or financial incapacity could access such a facility.
To increase subscriber registration, the meeting discussed a proposal to raise the commission paid to Union Digital Centres from Taka 15 to Taka 25.
It also considered commission structures for other authorised institutions, including banks, the postal department and mobile financial service providers.
The board further discussed the introduction of health insurance under the Universal Pension Scheme.
It also reviewed progress in implementing decisions taken at previous board meetings and directed the concerned authorities to take necessary follow-up measures to make the universal pension system more sustainable, effective and subscriber-friendly.
The National Pension Authority said it has been implementing the universal pension system to bring people from all walks of life under long-term social and financial security.
It said initiatives were underway to expand the scheme by increasing subscribers' confidence, ensuring returns from investments and introducing additional facilities.
Finance Secretary, secretaries of different ministries, a representative of the Bangladesh Bank governor, the chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, the FBCCI administrator and other officials attended the meeting.