Bangladesh Social Protection Advocacy Network (BSPAN), a platform working to promote social protection for workers and marginalized people; has appreciated the universal pension scheme (UPS).
Terming the newly introduced pension scheme a timely move taken by the government for the welfare of the countrymen, the BSPAN criticized law passage without consulting labour activists.
The platform has, however, identified the limitations of the newly introduced pension scheme and presented a 10-point recommendation to address the limitations.
The Bangladesh Social Protection Advocacy Network placed its recommendations at a press conference on the Universal Pension Scheme-2023 held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) in the capital on Thursday (August 24, 2023).
Asad Uddin, coordinator of BSPAN; moderated the press conference, while Ripon Chowdhury, member secretary of BSPAN and executive director of Oshi Foundation placed the limitations and recommendations. Nazreen Akhtar Deena, member at BSPAN Steering Committee; Pulak Ranjan Dhar, secretary of BPTUC; were also present in the conference.
Unveiling the details of this remarkable initiative of the government, the BSPAN at the press conference placed the limitations of the newly introduced pension scheme in 13 points.
The limitations include- confusion about government officers receiving pensions without contributing; This universal pension scheme has become like a traditional insurance scheme as the money deposited will be returned with profits; Lack of provisions for the working class; No special provision or clear provision is kept in the new pension scheme for the labourers; Absence of specific directions for informal labour force, It is difficult for low-income people to pay regular premiums for 10 years; Absence of clear instructions in the original law regarding participation of citizens above 50 years of age in the pension scheme; and Inadequate representation of worker organizations in the governing board
Meanwhile, the BSPAN’s 10-point recommendation includes- demand to increase the share of government contributions to make the pension scheme universal in real sense; Removal of conditions for previous social security program participation; Representation of civil society and labour organizations on the board; The definition of low-income people in the commodity price market is to have a monthly income of at least Tk. 10,000; Ensuring equality of pension for all public and private sector employees; The tenure of the pension scheme should be increased from 50 years to 64 years.
In his speech, Ripon Chowdhury criticized the law passage without consulting labour activists.
He expressed concerns about the requirement for citizens, excluding government employees, to make regular premium payments for at least 10 years, considering the challenges for the working population.
He noted that the scheme’s eligibility cutoff at age 50 excluded a significant number of potential participants aged 51 to 64. He also questioned the transparency of inviting unspecified individuals to board meetings.
In response to questions from journalists, Ripon Chowdhury clarified that the BSPAN had been advocating for universal social protection since 2017 in line with ILO’s global labor standards.
