ADB-supported study calls for adoption of National Long-Term Care Policy and Strategy

An ADB-supported Country Diagnostic Study calls for the adoption of a National Long-Term Care Policy and Strategy, integrated with the National Policy on Older Persons, and the National Women Development Policy in Bangladesh.

With Bangladesh's ageing population accelerating at an unparalleled pace, national policymakers, development partners and civil society leaders came together today (29 October) to chart a transformative roadmap for long-term care. 

Their seminar, at a hotel in Dhaka, marked the official launch of the country's first Country Diagnostic Study (CDS) on Long-Term Care for Older People, jointly conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and AYAT Education Foundation. 

The study lays out evidence-based recommendations to develop a gender-responsive, affordable and people-centred care system for older persons in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is ageing rapidly, with the share of the population aged 60 and above projected to rise from 13% in 2020 to over 30% by 2050, according to a press release.

Traditional, informal caregiving models, mostly carried out by unpaid female family members, are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand, says the CDS report, which recommends a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to building a formal care ecosystem integrated with health, welfare and gender policies.

Mohammad Abu Yusuf, secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, said the study provides timely guidance for policymakers. 

"We already have important policies in place, but income support alone is not enough," he said. "It is time to build an integrated care system, one that includes trained caregivers, sustainable financing and equitable access to services."  

"The Ministry of Social Welfare and Department of Social Services are committed to expanding our programs for the elderly, including old-age allowances and day-care centres," he added. 

"We must now link these initiatives to a broader long-term care financing framework, so that every vulnerable older person receives the care and dignity they deserve."  

Highlighting the need for actionable follow-up, Francesco Tornieri, principal social development specialist (social inclusion), ADB, said the study "provides a concrete policy pathway to build a people-centred long-term care system in Bangladesh."  

"This is a defining moment," said Tahsin Aman, chairperson of AYAT Education Foundation. 

"We must grow as a nation not only in numbers or economy, but in compassion and care. Investing in long-term care is both a moral duty and an economic opportunity."  

Presenting the key findings and recommendations from the study, Nasheeba Selim, principal social development officer (gender), ADB Bangladesh Resident Mission, and Imran Chowdhury, national aged care consultant, ADB, and chief operating officer of the AYAT Education Foundation, highlighted critical policy priorities. 

These included the need for a National Long-Term Care Policy and Strategy, investments in care workforce development, integrated health and social care systems, and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure accessibility and sustainability.

A central feature of the event was a dynamic panel discussion on "Innovative Financing Mechanisms Towards a Sustainable Long-Term Care System in Bangladesh." 

Moderated by Nusrat Aman, CEO, AYAT Education Foundation, the session explored how Bangladesh can leverage public financing, private investment and community-based solutions to fund care sustainably.  

"Financing remains one of the greatest barriers to building a robust long-term care system," said Nusrat. 

"The time is now to innovate and align funding with the scale of the challenge."  

 Panellists called for the development of contributory social insurance schemes, public–private partnerships and the integration of LTC into existing social protection systems.  

Gitanjali Singh, UN women representative in Bangladesh, emphasised the gender aspect of financing. "Care systems must be designed to alleviate the unpaid burden on women while creating new employment pathways for them."