Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is working to ensure financial security, healthcare and a dignified life for senior citizens.He said the government is taking a range of initiatives, including expanding old-age allowances, providing financial assistance through the Family Card, expanding primary healthcare services and strengthening the social safety net.
The Prime Minister made the remarks in a message issued on Thursday (October 1) on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons 2026. The theme of this year’s observance is “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
He said rising health awareness and advances in medical science have increased life expectancy in countries around the world. While longer lives create new opportunities, they also underscore the need to make healthcare, social protection and family support systems more responsive to the needs of an ageing population.
“The government is committed to protecting the interests of older people,” he said, adding that a range of programmes have been undertaken to ensure their social security, financial protection, healthcare and dignified living as part of efforts to build a welfare-oriented and humane state.
The Prime Minister said initiatives are being taken to create opportunities for older people to lead safe and dignified lives, expand old-age allowances and make the social protection system more effective and inclusive.
He said the government is implementing various measures to strengthen social protection for poor and vulnerable groups in line with its vision of a welfare-oriented state outlined in its election manifesto.
He also emphasised the importance of keeping older people healthy, socially engaged and connected to social protection programmes.
On the financial security of the elderly, Tarique Rahman said the amount of old-age allowance and the number of beneficiaries have been increased. At the same time, he said, work is progressing to provide financial assistance through the government’s election pledge of the Family Card, expand primary healthcare services and strengthen the social safety net.
Describing older people as a foundation of families and society, he said Bangladesh has been built on their sacrifices, experience and wisdom. A caring approach towards senior citizens is therefore essential to building a welfare-oriented, just and humane Bangladesh, he added.
He stressed that respect, compassion and responsibility towards older people should be upheld at all three levels—family, society and the state. He said the government is working to further strengthen a life-cycle-based social protection system to ensure healthcare, social security, financial stability and opportunities for older people to remain active in society.
The Prime Minister said the government would take all possible measures to protect the interests of senior citizens. At the same time, he said, the stronger the country’s long-standing religious, social and family values remain, the better protected the care, respect and dignity of older people will be.
Extending his greetings and respect to all senior citizens on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, Tarique Rahman said his government aims to build 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.
FP/R 
