Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has stated that the government is working to ensure financial security, healthcare, and a dignified life for elderly citizens. To this end, initiatives are being advanced to expand old-age allowances, provide financial assistance through ‘Family Cards’, broaden primary healthcare services, and further strengthen the social safety net.
He made these remarks in a message delivered on Wednesday (September 30) on the occasion of ‘International Day of Older Persons 2026’, observed on Thursday (October 1). This year’s theme for the day is ‘The Age of Longevity: New Thinking on Management to Ensure Long Life’.
Tareque Rahman said that due to increased health awareness among people and advancements in medical science, the average life expectancy is rising in countries worldwide. Longevity creates new opportunities for people; at the same time, it highlights the necessity of modernizing health, social protection, and family support systems to ensure a long and dignified life.
He added that the government is aware and vigilant in protecting the interests of the elderly. To establish a welfare-oriented and humane state, the government has adopted a multi-faceted action plan to ensure social security, financial protection, healthcare, and a dignified life for senior citizens.
The Prime Minister stated that initiatives have been taken to provide necessary assistance at every stage of the life cycle, create opportunities for a safe and respectful life in old age, expand old-age allowances, and make the social protection system more effective and inclusive.
He mentioned that, in line with the concept of a welfare state outlined in its electoral manifesto, the current government is implementing various measures to strengthen social protection for the poor and vulnerable population. The government is continuously working to ensure the good health of the elderly, keep them active in social activities, and integrate them into the social protection framework, rather than neglecting them.
Regarding ensuring the financial security of the country’s elderly population, the head of government stated that the amount of old-age allowance has been increased, and the number of beneficiaries has been expanded. Concurrently, the implementation of ‘Family Card’ for financial assistance, expansion of primary healthcare, and strengthening of the social safety net – a key electoral pledge of the government – is progressing.
Referring to elderly individuals as the foundation of families and society, he said that today’s Bangladesh has been built upon their sacrifices, experience, and wisdom. Therefore, a caring approach towards the elderly population is essential for building a welfare-oriented, just, and humane Bangladesh.
He stated that it is crucial to continue practicing respect, empathy, and responsibility towards the elderly at all three levels: family, society, and state. Initiatives are being taken to further consolidate the life-cycle based social protection system to ensure healthcare, social security, financial stability, and opportunities for active participation in society for the elderly.
The Prime Minister affirmed that the government will take all possible measures to protect the interests of elderly citizens. However, he believes that the more perennial religious, social, and family values are maintained in the state and society, the more the care, respect, and dignity of the elderly will be protected.
Extending sincere respect and greetings to all elderly citizens of the country on the auspicious occasion of International Day of Older Persons, the Prime Minister stated that his government’s goal is to establish such a welfare state where every individual, whether young or old, can lead a dignified and fulfilling life by utilizing their full potential.
Finally, in his message, Tareque Rahman wished for the overall success of the 36th International Day of Older Persons – 2026.