Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the government is actively working to ensure financial security, healthcare, and a dignified life for senior citizens.

To achieve this, initiatives are underway to expand the elderly allowance, provide financial assistance through "Family Cards," broaden primary healthcare services, and further strengthen the social safety net.

He made these remarks in a message issued on Wednesday (September 30) on the eve of the International Day of Older Persons 2026, observed on Thursday (October 1).

The theme for this year's observance is “Ageing in the Age of Longevity: New Approaches to Ensuring a Long Life.”

Tarique Rahman noted that due to growing health awareness and advancements in medical science, average human life expectancy is increasing worldwide.

While longevity creates new opportunities, it also underscores the urgent need to adapt healthcare, social protection, and family support systems to ensure a long and dignified life.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting the interests of the elderly, the Prime Minister said a multi-dimensional action plan has been adopted to guarantee social security, financial protection, healthcare, and a respectful life as part of establishing a welfare-oriented and humane state.

He emphasized that alongside providing necessary support at every stage of the life cycle, steps have been taken to create opportunities for a safe and honorable life in old age, expand old-age allowances, and make social safety measures more effective and inclusive.

In alignment with the welfare state vision outlined in the election manifesto, the current government is implementing various measures to strengthen social protection for vulnerable and impoverished populations, he added.

The government is continuously working to ensure the good health of senior citizens, keep them active in social activities, and integrate them into the social safety framework.

Highlighting efforts to secure the financial well-being of the elderly population, the Prime Minister stated that the amount of old-age allowances and the number of beneficiaries have been increased.

Simultaneously, the implementation of key electoral pledges—such as financial aid via "Family Cards," expansion of primary healthcare, and reinforcement of the social safety net—is moving forward.

Describing senior citizens as the bedrock of family and society, he said that today’s Bangladesh has been built upon their sacrifices, experiences, and wisdom.

Therefore, a compassionate approach toward the elderly population is indispensable to building a welfare-oriented, equitable, and humane nation.

He stressed that the practice of respect, empathy, and responsibility toward the elderly must be upheld across three levels: family, society, and the state.

Initiatives are being advanced to further consolidate life-cycle-based social protection systems to guarantee healthcare, financial stability, and active societal participation for senior citizens.

The Prime Minister assured that the government will take all possible steps to safeguard the interests of senior citizens.

However, he expressed his belief that the preservation of traditional religious, social, and family values within the state and society will better ensure the care, respect, and dignity of the elderly.

Extending sincere respect and warm greetings to all senior citizens of the country on the auspicious occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, the Prime Minister concluded by wishing overall success for the 36th International Day of Older Persons 2026.