Online Desk  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is working to ensure financial security, healthcare and a dignified life for elderly citizens.

He said initiatives were being taken to expand old-age allowances, provide financial assistance through the “Family Card” programme, expand primary healthcare services and further strengthen the social security system.

The prime minister made the remarks in a message issued on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons 2026. The day will be observed tomorrow, October 1, in Bangladesh and around the world. This year’s theme is “The Age of Longevity: New Thinking for Management to Ensure Long Life.”

The prime minister said people’s average life expectancy is increasing worldwide due to greater health awareness and advances in medical science. While longer life expectancy is creating new opportunities, it is also making it necessary to modernise healthcare, social protection and family support systems to ensure a long and dignified life for older people.

He said the government had adopted multifaceted action plans to ensure social security, financial protection, healthcare and a dignified life for elderly citizens. Initiatives have been taken to create opportunities for safe and respectful living, expand old-age allowances and make the social protection system more effective and inclusive.

The prime minister further said various measures were being implemented to strengthen social protection for poor and vulnerable groups. Efforts are also continuing to maintain the health of older people, keep them active in social activities and integrate them into the social protection framework.

Regarding the financial security of the country’s elderly population, he said the amount of old-age allowance and the number of beneficiaries had been increased. Under the old-age allowance programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the number of beneficiaries has been set at 6.2 million, while the general monthly allowance has been fixed at Tk 700. Beneficiaries aged over 90 will receive Tk 1,000 per month.

He said the government’s “Family Card” programme was being implemented to provide financial assistance, expand primary healthcare services and further strengthen the social safety net.

Describing older people as a foundation of families and society, the prime minister said today’s Bangladesh had been built on their sacrifices, experience and wisdom. Therefore, he said, a caring approach towards older people was essential to building a welfare-oriented, just and humane Bangladesh.

He called for continued respect, compassion and responsibility towards older people at the family, community and state levels. He also stressed the need to further strengthen a life-cycle-based social protection system to ensure their access to healthcare, social security, financial stability and opportunities for active participation in society.

The prime minister said the stronger religious, social and family values remain, the more securely the care, respect and dignity of older people would be protected.

Extending his respect and greetings to all elderly citizens on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, he expressed his commitment to building a welfare state where both young and old can lead dignified and fulfilling lives.