PM stresses social protection, healthcare for older people
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government had taken multifaceted initiatives to strengthen social security, financial protection and healthcare services for older people and ensure their dignified lives.
The Prime Minister made the remarks in a message on the eve of International Day of Older Persons-2026, which will be observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world today.
This year’s theme is “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
Tarique Rahman greeted the country’s older citizens and said the government remained alert and committed to protecting their rights.
“To establish a welfare-based humane state, the government has undertaken multifaceted action plans to ensure social security, financial protection, healthcare services and a dignified life for senior citizens,” he said.
The Prime Minister said initiatives had been taken to create opportunities for older people to lead safe and dignified lives by expanding the old-age allowance and making the social protection system more effective and inclusive.
He said the government was implementing various measures to strengthen social protection for poor and vulnerable groups in line with the concept of a welfare-oriented state and the election manifesto.
The government was also working continuously to maintain the good health of older people, keep them active in social activities and integrate them into the social protection framework without neglecting them, he said.
Tarique Rahman said health, social protection and family support systems needed to become more responsive to ensure longer and dignified lives for older people.
“Due to increased health awareness among people and advancement of medical science, life expectancy is increasing in countries across the world, creating new opportunities,” he said.
The Prime Minister described older people as the foundation of families and society, saying present-day Bangladesh had been built on their sacrifices, experience and wisdom.
He called for a caring approach towards older citizens to build a welfare-oriented, just and humane Bangladesh.
Tarique urged everyone to continue showing respect, compassion and responsibility towards elders at the family, social and state levels.
He said preserving religious, social and family values would help protect the care, respect and dignity of older people in society.
“We want to establish such a welfare-oriented state where every person, whether young or old, can utilize their fullest potential and lead a dignified and fulfilling life,” he said, wishing success for the programmes marking the day.
