The government has begun disbursing Tk 20.36 bilion today (Saturday) to clear part of the long-pending retirement and welfare benefits of MPO-enlisted non-government teachers and employees. The money is being distributed among 123,596 applications under the Retirement Benefits Board and the Welfare Trust.

Of the beneficiaries, 70,119 applications are under the Retirement Benefits Board, requiring about Tk 12 billion, while 53,477 applications are under the Welfare Trust, requiring around Tk 5.65 billion.

The payments are being made in phases because of limited funds, as per local news agency reports.

Retirement-benefit recipients will initially receive about Tk 450,000 each, while Welfare Trust beneficiaries will receive Tk 239,000 in the first phase. Any remaining dues will be paid later in phases.

The funds are being sent to the beneficiaries' respective bank accounts, with the distribution being launched across the country on Saturday.