On 16 April 2026, a high-level policy dialogue titled “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Long-Term Care (LTC) System in Bangladesh” was held in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and AYAT Education Foundation, bringing together government, development partners, private sector, and civil society to shape the future of care in an ageing society.

State Minister for Social Welfare Ms. Farzana Sharmin emphasized collective action for building an inclusive care system, while Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare, highlighted dignity in care and urgent investment in trained caregivers. Mr. Hoe Yun Jeong, Country Director of ADB, underscored the potential of Bangladesh’s emerging “silver economy” through structured long-term care systems.

Private sector representatives stressed the need for clear policy frameworks, professionalized caregiving, and expanded home-based and assisted living services to enable sustainable investment in the care sector.

Opening remarks by Mr. Francesco Tornieri, Principal Social Development Specialist (Social Inclusion), ADB, set the tone for inclusive dialogue. A moderated roundtable led by Ms. Nusrat Aman, CEO, AYAT Education Foundation, captured key stakeholder insights on coordinated action. Ms. Nasheeba Selim, Principal Social Development Officer (Gender), ADB BRM, presented key discussions and next steps, while Mr. Imran Chowdhury, National Aged Care Consultant of ADB and COO of AYAT Education Foundation, shared key findings and recommendations from the Country Diagnostic Study on Long-Term Care (LTC) for Older People in Bangladesh, outlining pathways toward a structured care system.

The dialogue concluded with three key priorities: establishing a national integrated LTC framework linking health, social protection, and workforce systems; strengthening and professionalizing the care workforce through training and recognition; and unlocking the silver economy through multi-sector partnerships to expand services, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth.