Dr Atiur recommends ‘universal pension scheme’ to reduce inequality

Monirul Alam of DOT
Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Atiur Rahman has recommended the government to introduce universal pension scheme for the low-income groups of people in order for reducing inequality.
“The government can introduce universal pension scheme for low-income population to reduce ongoing inequality. Such scheme may begin with workers of the readymade garment industry. If needed, government can take share of pensioner from salary,” Dr Atiur said at a workshop organized by South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) at a hotel in the city on Saturday.
“In phases, other low-waged people like Rickshaw pullers may be included in the pension schemes,” he added. Dr Atiur said a teen-aged female worker starts her job at garment industry and getting minimum wage for years after years. “She meets her basic requirements from the wage and sending a proportion to family. Therefore, she has nothing remains to save for future or to prepare to face crisis moment. In this case, the government should take responsibility.”
SANEM Executive Director Salim Raihan chaired the occasion.