Dhaka, May 11 -- Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder has said it is "especially necessary" to bring all citizens of the country under a pension framework, stressing that building a sustainable social security system is now a national priority.

He said expanding pension coverage is essential for establishing a welfare state.

"A sustainable social security structure is now the demand of the time," he said, adding that inclusion of all sections of society in a pension system is "particularly important" for a welfare-oriented state.

His remarks were made at a workshop titled "Capacity and Potential of the National Pension Authority" held at the authority's conference room on Saturday, according to a media statement issued Monday by ...