DHAKA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh is facing a rapidly aging population, with a new study projecting the 60+ age group will grow from 13 percent in 2020 to over 30 percent by 2050.
These findings were released at an event in Dhaka Tuesday as part of launching Bangladesh's first-ever Country Diagnostic Study (CDS) on Long-Term Care for Older People, a joint initiative by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the local Ayat Education Foundation.
The CDS report recommends a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to building a formal care ecosystem integrated with health, welfare, and gender policies.
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Abu Yusuf, secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Social Welfare, said, "It's time to build an integrated care system, one that includes trained caregivers, sustainable financing, and equitable access to services."
He said they are committed to expanding their programs for the elderly, including old-age allowances and day-care centers.
"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," he added.
Highlighting the need for actionable follow-up, Francesco Tornieri, principal social development specialist of the ADB, emphasized that the study "provides a concrete policy pathway to build a people-centered long-term care system in Bangladesh." ■
