As Bangladesh’s population steadily ages, long-term care (LTC) has moved to the forefront of national development priorities, with policymakers and stakeholders calling for urgent, coordinated action, a press release said.
A high-level policy dialogue titled “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Long-Term Care (LTC) System in Bangladesh” was held in Dhaka on Thursday, bringing together senior government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and civil society actors.
Jointly organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and AYAT Education Foundation, the dialogue underscored the growing need for a structured and sustainable response to the country’s demographic shift.
Officials highlighted that Bangladesh is entering a critical phase where the demand for elderly care services is rising rapidly, while institutional capacity and workforce readiness remain limited.
Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, said the government is placing increased emphasis on developing the caregiving sector, both as a social necessity and an economic opportunity. He stressed that care for older people must go beyond medical needs, focusing on dignity, emotional well-being, and human connection.
However, he acknowledged a significant gap in trained caregivers and nurses, noting that targeted investment in training, workforce development, and institutional systems is essential. He also emphasized the need to recognize and support caregivers, many of whom remain invisible within the current system.
ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building a future-ready care system. He pointed to the importance of strengthening family- and community-based care, advancing gender equality, and unlocking the economic potential of the care sector. “Investing in long-term care can help build Bangladesh’s ‘silver economy’ while generating employment and supporting inclusive growth,” he said.
During the roundtable discussions, three key priorities emerged: addressing the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women through gender-responsive policies; adopting a people-centered approach that considers both care recipients and caregivers; and increasing investment in the care economy, including workforce training, service delivery, and financing mechanisms.
The event concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve policy alignment, and take concrete steps toward establishing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable long-term care system in Bangladesh.
