ADB seminar charts roadmap for long-term care system in Bangladesh
With Bangladesh's aging population rising rapidly, national policymakers, development partners, and civil society representatives gathered today at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in Dhaka for a high-level seminar on developing a long-term care (LTC) system for older persons.
The event marked the launch of the country's first Country Diagnostic Study on Long-Term Care for Older People, jointly conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and AYAT Education Foundation. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for establishing a gender-responsive, affordable, and people-centred care system in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's population aged 60 and above is projected to increase from 13% in 2020 to over 30% by 2050. Traditional informal caregiving, mostly provided by unpaid female family members, is increasingly insufficient. The study recommends a multi-sectoral approach, integrating health, welfare, and gender policies to build a formal care ecosystem.
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Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, highlighted the need for an integrated LTC system that includes trained caregivers, sustainable financing, and equitable access. "Income support alone is not enough. Every vulnerable older person deserves care and dignity," he said.
Speakers emphasised the importance of actionable follow-up. Francesco Tornieri, ADB Principal Social Development Specialist, said the study "provides a concrete policy pathway to build a people-centred LTC system." Tahsin Aman, Chairperson, AYAT Education Foundation, described investing in LTC as both a moral duty and economic opportunity.
Key recommendations from the study include adopting a National Long-Term Care Policy and Strategy, developing the care workforce, integrating health and social services, and introducing innovative financing mechanisms. A dynamic panel discussion explored public financing, private investment, and community-based solutions to ensure sustainability, with inputs from UN Women, CARE Bangladesh, and UNFPA representatives.
The seminar drew participants from key ministries, development partners, embassies, UN agencies, care providers, academia, and financial institutions. The consensus was clear: Bangladesh must act now to build a care system that protects elders, empowers women, and prepares society for the demographic shift ahead.
