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Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has stated that the government is working to ensure financial security, healthcare, and dignified lives for senior citizens. To this end, initiatives have been taken to expand old-age allowances, provide financial assistance through family cards, broaden the scope of primary healthcare, and further strengthen the social safety net, he informed.
The Prime Minister made these remarks in a message delivered on Thursday (October 1) marking ‘International Day of Older Persons 2026’. This year’s theme for the day is — ‘The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Management to Ensure Long Lives’.
The Prime Minister stated that due to increased health awareness and advancements in medical science, the average life expectancy worldwide is rising. While longevity creates new opportunities, it also increases the necessity to update healthcare, social protection, and family support systems to ensure long and dignified lives.
He mentioned that the government is aware and vigilant in protecting the interests of the elderly. Various action plans have been adopted to ensure social security, financial protection, healthcare, and dignified lives for senior citizens, with the goal of establishing a welfare-oriented and humanitarian state.
The Prime Minister announced that initiatives are being taken to provide necessary support at every stage of life and to create opportunities for the elderly to live safe and respectable lives. Alongside the expansion of old-age allowances, the social protection system is being made more effective and inclusive.
Regarding the financial security of the elderly, he stated that the amount of old-age allowance and the number of beneficiaries have been increased. Concurrently, the government’s electoral pledge to provide financial assistance through ‘Family Cards’, expand primary healthcare, and strengthen the social safety net is progressing.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the elderly are the foundation of families and society in the country. Present-day Bangladesh has been built upon their sacrifices, experience, and wisdom. Therefore, a caring approach towards the elderly is crucial for building a benevolent, just, and humanitarian Bangladesh.
He added that it is essential to continue practicing respect, empathy, and responsibility towards the elderly at all levels — family, society, and state. Initiatives are being taken to further consolidate the life-cycle-based social protection system to ensure their healthcare, social security, financial stability, and opportunities for participation in social activities.
The Prime Minister further stated that the government will take all possible measures to protect the interests of senior citizens. Furthermore, the more the country’s religious, social, and family values are upheld, the more protected will be the care, respect, and dignity of the elderly.
Extending respect and greetings to all senior citizens of the country on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, the Prime Minister stated that his government’s goal is to establish a welfare state where every individual, from youth to elderly, can lead a dignified and fulfilling life by utilizing their full potential.
He wished for the overall success of the 36th International Day of Older Persons 2026.