PM’s assurance of ensuring financial security and social protection for the elderly

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that various initiatives of the government are continuing to ensure financial security, healthcare and dignified life for elderly citizens. He said that along with expanding the old age allowance, activities are being advanced to provide financial assistance through family cards, expand the scope of primary healthcare and further strengthen the social safety net. The government launched the Family Card programme in March 2026.

The Prime Minister said these things in a message given on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons 2026 on Thursday (October 1). The theme of this year’s day is ‘Age of Longevity: New Thinking in Management to Ensure Long Life’.

The Prime Minister said that the average life expectancy of people is increasing worldwide due to the increase in health awareness and the advancement of medical science. While longevity is creating new possibilities on the one hand, on the other hand the necessity of making the systems of healthcare, social protection and family support compatible with the times is also being created to ensure a long and dignified life for elderly people.

He said that the government is aware of protecting the interests of the elderly. Multifaceted action plans have been taken to ensure social security, financial protection, healthcare and respectable life for elderly citizens with the aim of establishing a welfare-oriented and humane state.

Tarique Rahman said that importance is being given to creating the opportunity for safe and respectable living in old age along with necessary support at every stage of the life cycle. For this, initiatives have been taken to expand the old age allowance and make the social protection programmes more effective and inclusive.

He further said that the government is implementing various programmes to strengthen social protection for the poor and vulnerable population. Importance is also being given to ensuring their good health instead of neglecting the elderly, keeping them involved in social activities and bringing them under the social protection system.

Regarding the financial security of the elderly, the Prime Minister said that the amount of old age allowance and the number of beneficiaries have been increased. At the same time, activities are underway to provide financial assistance through family cards, expansion of primary healthcare and further strengthen the social safety net as per the government’s election pledge.

Mentioning the elderly as an important foundation of the family and society, he said that the present Bangladesh has been built relying on their sacrifice, experience and wisdom. Therefore, it is necessary to have a caring and respectful attitude towards the elderly in building a welfare-oriented, justice-based and humane state.

The Prime Minister said that the practice of respect, sympathy and responsibility towards the elderly must be continued at every level of the family, society and state. Initiatives are being taken to further consolidate the life-cycle-based social protection system to ensure their healthcare, social security, financial stability and the opportunity to remain active in society.

He said that the government will take all possible measures to protect the interests of elderly citizens. At the same time, he believes that the more religious, social and family values remain elevated, the more the care, respect and dignity of the elderly in society will also remain protected.

Expressing respect and greetings to all elderly citizens of the country on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, the Prime Minister said that the goal of the government is to establish such a welfare-oriented state where every person, whether young or elderly, can lead a dignified and complete life by utilising their potential. He wished overall success of the 36th International Day of Older Persons 2026.