Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Oct 28, 2025 (BSS) - With Bangladesh's aging population accelerating at an unparalleled pace, national policymakers, development partners, and civil society leaders came together today to chart a transformative roadmap for long-term care (LTC) during a high-level seminar hosted at a city hotel.

The event 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-centered care system for older persons in Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh is aging rapidly, with the share of the population aged 60 and above projected to rise from 13% in 2020 to over 30% by 2050. Traditional, informal caregiving models-mostly carried out by unpaid female family members-are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand. 

The CDS report recommends a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to building a formal care ecosystem integrated with health, welfare, and gender policies, said a press release.

Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, noted that the study provides timely guidance for policymakers. 

"We already have important policies in place, but income support alone isn't enough," he said. "It's 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 centers," he also said. 

"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." added Yusuf.

Highlighting the need for actionable follow-up, Francesco Tornieri, Principal Social Development Specialist (Social Inclusion), ADB, emphasized that the study "provides a concrete policy pathway to build a people-centered 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 LTC 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 AYAT Education Foundation, highlighted critical policy priorities. 

These include 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. 

The seminar drew participation from key ministries, including Social Welfare, Health, Finance, Women and Children Affairs, and Planning, as well as representatives from embassies, UN agencies, care providers, academia, and private financial institutions. 

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 LTC system," said Aman. "The time is now to innovate and align funding with the scale of the challenge." 

Panelists 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, emphasized the gender aspect of financing: "Care systems must be designed to alleviate the unpaid burden on women while creating new employment pathways for them." 

Emebet Menna, Deputy Country Director, CARE Bangladesh, echoed the need for inclusive approaches. 

"We must ensure that financing models are not only sustainable but also reach the most vulnerable-including those in extreme poverty and climate-affected regions." 

Masaki Watabe, Deputy Representative, UNFPA, highlighted the importance of intergenerational solidarity and life-course perspectives. 

"Long-term care is not only about older persons," he said. "It's about creating systems that support people throughout their lives-so that when they age, care is available, affordable, and delivered with dignity." 

The ADB-supported CDS 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. 

As the country faces a critical demographic shift, the message from today's event was clear: the time to act is now. With the right investments, coordination, and vision, Bangladesh can build a care system that protects its elders, empowers women, and prepares society for the future.