Government to Ensure Financial Security and Social Protection for Older People: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is working to ensure financial security, healthcare and a dignified life for older citizens. To this end, initiatives are being advanced to expand old-age allowances, provide financial assistance through Family Cards, expand primary healthcare and strengthen the social safety net.
Mr. Tarique Rahman made the remarks in a message issued on Thursday (October 1) marking International Day of Older Persons 2026. This year’s theme is “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
He said people’s life expectancy is increasing around the world due to greater health awareness and advances in medical science. Longer life expectancy is creating new opportunities while also highlighting the need to make healthcare, social protection and family support systems more responsive to the needs of older people.
The prime minister said the government is aware of the need to protect the interests of older people. As part of its efforts to establish a welfare-oriented and humane state, it has undertaken multifaceted programmes to ensure social protection, financial security, healthcare and a dignified life for older citizens.
Initiatives have been taken to provide necessary support at every stage of life, create opportunities for safe and dignified living in old age, expand old-age allowances, and make the social protection system more effective and inclusive, he said.
The current government is implementing various measures to strengthen social protection for poor and vulnerable groups in line with the concept of a welfare-oriented state outlined in its election manifesto, Mr. Tarique said.
He said the government is working continuously to prevent the neglect of older people, maintain their health, keep them active in social activities and integrate them into the social protection system.
On ensuring financial security for the country’s older population, the prime minister said the amount of old-age allowances and the number of beneficiaries have been increased. At the same time, efforts are underway to provide financial assistance through the government’s election pledge of Family Cards, expand primary healthcare and strengthen the social safety net.
Describing older people as the foundation of families and society, he said today’s Bangladesh has been built on their sacrifices, experience and wisdom. Therefore, a caring approach towards older people is essential for building a welfare-oriented, just and humane Bangladesh.
He said it is important to continue promoting respect, compassion and responsibility towards older people at the family, social and state levels. Initiatives are being taken to further strengthen a life-cycle-based social protection system to ensure healthcare, social protection, financial stability and opportunities for active participation in society for older people.
The prime minister said the government would take all possible measures to protect the interests of older citizens. However, he expressed the belief that the stronger the long-standing religious, social and family values remain in the state and society, the more secure the care, respect and dignity of older people will be.
Extending his sincere respect and greetings to all older citizens of the country on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, Mr. Tarique said his government’s goal is to establish a welfare-oriented state where every person, young or old, can realise their full potential and lead a dignified and fulfilling life.
He wished the 36th International Day of Older Persons 2026 every success.