DHAKA, July 9, 2025 (BSS) – The National Pension Authority and the District Administration jointly organized a Pension Fair and cultural program today in Gaibandha district under Rangpur Division.

To bring all citizens of the country under an organized social security framework, the government has already launched the Universal Pension Scheme. 

As part of implementing this vision, Pension Fair and cultural program were held in Gaibandha today.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chowdhury Moazzem Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner of Gaibandha, as the chief guest. 

The initiative is expected to contribute significantly towards increasing public enrollment in the scheme.

The event was organized to raise awareness about the Universal Pension Scheme at the grassroots and encourage wider participation, said a press release here. 

Various stakeholders, including banks, NGOs, microfinance institutions, government organizations, mobile financial service providers (like bKash and Nagad), and Union Digital Centers, participated the fair. 

Dedicated stalls at the venue facilitated on-the-spot enrollment in the scheme. 

Senior officials from the National Pension Authority, the Ministry of Finance, and the Divisional Commissioner’s office were also present as guests. 

Representatives of the National Pension Authority and the Finance Division highlighted different aspects of the Universal Pension Scheme at the event.

At the district-level fairs, visitors were informed about the benefits of the four ongoing schemes under the Universal Pension umbrella — Probash (for expatriates), Progoti, Surakkha, and Samata. 

Newly introduced benefits were also explained, such as the option for subscribers to withdraw 30% of their accumulated funds as a non-refundable lump sum upon retirement. 

The common people was also informed about provisions in the national budget for FY26 granting tax exemptions on the income of the National Pension Authority and on the investments made from subscriber contributions, making the scheme even more attractive and profitable. 

Additionally, the scheme’s operational costs are being borne by the government, and all investment returns go directly to the subscribers.

After the inauguration of the fair, a workshop on the Universal Pension Scheme was also held on the same day. 

The National Pension Authority presented a keynote paper at the session. 

The workshop was attended by government officials, public representatives, eminent personalities, civil society members, and people from various professions. 

The discussion aimed at devising strategies for increasing participation in the scheme.

Following the workshop, a cultural program was held at the fairground. The performances showcased local cultural heritage while also incorporating themes from the Universal Pension Scheme.