Policy-makers and Population Ageing in Bangladesh : A Dearth of Attention

Abstract

Policy responses to population ageing have seldom been studied in Bangladesh. This article contributes to this research stream by asking to what extent policy-makers in Bangladesh are aware of the rapidly growing older population and care needs in the country and how this awareness is reflected in their policy initiatives. The concept of inattention is introduced to investigate phenomena from a public policy perspective. Data were collected via open-ended interviews with key policy-makers in Bangladesh’s government and other local stakeholders. Their responses were transcribed and coded for thematic content analysis. The findings show that policy-makers in Bangladesh have paid very little attention to the rapidly growing older population and their care needs. Without considering social, economic and demographic circumstances, the government has left full responsibility for old-age care to family members. No specific health or social care facilities have been built for older adults. Instead, limited coverage pension schemes for government employees and the Old Age Allowance (OAA) for financially vulnerable older adults remain the only measures taken thus far. However, these means-tested OAAs are very limited in terms of both their level and coverage. The lack of policy attention to older adults’ needs has led to a situation in which many older persons, especially in rural areas, are left without any support or care from their family, the government or third-sector organisations. More research is needed to guide the government and other organisations in developing adequate policies to support older adults in Bangladesh.