Bangladesh’s garment industry is seeking to bring around 5 million workers under the government’s Universal Pension Scheme, as industry leaders call for policy incentives to make the programme more attractive to employees.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) held a discussion on the pension scheme with factory owners, workers’ representatives and other stakeholders in Dhaka on Saturday, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of extending retirement security across the labour-intensive sector.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said all apparel workers should be brought under the scheme as quickly as possible, describing the initiative as important for strengthening social and financial security.
Khan proposed special government incentives for workers during the first two years of participation and suggested reducing the pension age for garment workers to 55 from 60. Such measures could encourage greater participation, he said.
The National Pension Authority said citizens aged 18 to 50 can contribute to the scheme through banks and receive pension benefits after reaching 60. If a subscriber dies before that age, the accumulated contribution and applicable profit would be paid to the nominated beneficiary, officials said.
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National Pension Authority Executive Chairman Dr. Md. Suratuj Zaman also urged industrial establishments employing more than 100 workers to take steps to open pension accounts for their employees, citing provisions in the latest amendment to the Bangladesh Labour Act 2026.
BGMEA Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan said enrolling around 5 million garment workers and maintaining the scheme over the long term would present operational challenges, but called the government’s initiative timely and significant.
Vice President Md. Rejwan Selim said the scheme’s potential returns could provide workers with stronger long-term financial protection. BGMEA would develop a specific plan to bring apparel workers under the programme, he added.
The meeting comes as Bangladesh’s export-oriented garment industry faces growing pressure to strengthen worker welfare and social protection alongside its global competitiveness.