Staff Reporter :
Interest rates for five national savings schemes have been revised for the January-June 2025 period, aligning with prevailing market rates for the first time in the country.
A notification issued by the Internal Resources Division (IRD) of the Ministry of Finance on 15 January 2025 announced that the revised rates are effective from 1 January 2025.
The schemes impacted by this adjustment include the Five-Year Bangladesh Savings Certificate, the Three-Monthly Profit-Based Savings Certificate, the Pensioner Savings Certificate, the Family Savings Certificate, and Post Office Savings Bank Term Accounts under the National Savings Scheme.
Additionally, the interest rates for these savings schemes will now be updated biannually, reflecting changes in the rates of five-year and two-year treasury bonds. Importantly, investors will retain the profit rate applicable at the time of purchase throughout the entire term of their investment, ensuring consistent returns.
To promote equity, the investor categories under the National Savings Scheme have been simplified into two tiers: investments of Tk 7.50 lakh or below, and those exceeding Tk 7.50 lakh.
As before, early encashment will provide profits based on the annual rate applicable at the time of withdrawal.
According to an IRD press release, this move is expected to benefit marginal investors and encourage greater participation in the National Savings Scheme. Women, retired employees, pensioners, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities will have improved access to financial and social security through the scheme.
These changes are anticipated to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness in supporting vulnerable groups.
