DHAKA, September 30, 2026: 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 the old-age allowance, providing financial assistance through the Family Card programme, expanding primary healthcare services and strengthening the social safety-net system. The Prime Minister made the remarks in a message issued on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons 2026, which will be observed tomorrow, October 1. The theme of this year’s observance is “The Age of Longevity: New Thinking for Ensuring Long Lives.”
In his message, the Prime Minister said increased health awareness and advances in medical science have contributed to rising life expectancy in countries around the world.
“Longevity is creating new opportunities for people, while at the same time highlighting the need to make healthcare, social protection and family support systems more responsive to the changing needs of ensuring long and dignified lives,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government remains conscious and vigilant about protecting the interests of senior citizens.
He said the government has undertaken multifaceted programmes to ensure social security, financial protection, healthcare and a dignified life for older people as part of its efforts to build a welfare-oriented and humane state.
He added that initiatives are being 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.
Referring to the government’s election manifesto, the Prime Minister said various measures are being implemented to strengthen social protection for poor and vulnerable groups in line with the concept of a welfare-oriented state.
He said the government is continuously working to ensure that senior citizens are not neglected, maintain their health, encourage their active participation in social activities and bring them under the social protection framework.
Regarding the financial security of the country’s elderly population, the Prime Minister said the amount of old-age allowances has been increased and the number of beneficiaries expanded.
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 senior citizens as a foundation of families and society, the Prime Minister said the Bangladesh of today has been built on their sacrifices, experience and wisdom.
He said a caring and respectful approach towards the elderly is essential for building a welfare-oriented, just and humane Bangladesh.
He stressed the importance of maintaining respect, compassion and a sense of responsibility towards senior citizens at all three levels—family, society and the state.
He said initiatives are being taken to further strengthen a life-cycle-based social protection system to ensure healthcare, social security, 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 senior citizens.
At the same time, he expressed his belief that the more the longstanding religious, social and family values of the country are upheld by the state and society, the better the care, respect and dignity of older people will be protected.
Extending his sincere respect and greetings to all senior citizens of the country on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, the Prime Minister said his government’s goal is to establish a welfare-oriented state where every person, young or old, can make the best use of their potential and lead a dignified and fulfilling life. He wished the 36th International Day of Older Persons 2026 every success.Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)