Driving change for older people in Bangladesh

Published

1 September 2024 marks the launch of the Network of HelpAge Partners in Bangladesh (NHPB).

As part of HelpAge International’s ambitious localisation agenda, the HelpAge International country office in Bangladesh has closed and NHPB will take forward the ageing agenda with older people in the country. 

About the NHPB 

The NHPB is a coalition of five well-established organisations who are members of the HelpAge global network – Bangladesh Association for the Aged and Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Bangladesh Women’s Health Coalition, Dhaka Asania Mission, Resource Integration Centre and Young Power in Social Action.  

The NHPB is committed to tackling the challenges faced by older people in a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape by building a strong foundation for collaboration. It unites the expertise and reach of the five members, with each contributing a unique focus, from healthcare to microfinance and humanitarian aid, creating a diverse and powerful coalition. 

This collaboration is grounded in a clear governance framework. The network operates under an agreed Terms of Reference, with a rotating chairpersonship among members. A dedicated secretariat ensures day-to-day activities are streamlined, while thematic teams address critical areas like income security and healthy ageing. 

Strategic importance of the NHPB 

Bangladesh, home to 166 million people, faces unique challenges: 

  • Growing older population: Over 9% of the population, or nearly 16 million people, are aged 60 or older. 
  • Economic and climate vulnerability: High inflation, slowing growth, and frequent natural disasters disproportionately impact older people. 
  • Policy gaps in those targeting older people. 

Amid these challenges, donor funding is declining, making networks like the NHPB essential for driving local leadership and advocacy. 

 

Advocating for older people’s rights 

The NHPB has a bold agenda focused on: 

  1. Policy advocacy: Pushing for improved social protections and rights for older people, including universal social pensions and age-friendly health services. 
  2. Capacity building: Sharing technical expertise to empower civil society organisations working in ageing. 
  3. Community mobilisation: Amplifying the voices of older people through community-led programmes. 
  4. Resource mobilisation: Using collective efforts to secure funding and enhance sustainability. 

 

Progress so far 

In just a short time, the NHPB has: 

  • Developed a two-year action plan and signed a three-year funding agreement with HelpAge International 
  • Opened a secretariat office and initiated recruitment for a coordinator 
  • Designed a training module on older people’s rights to strengthen internal and external capacity. 

These achievements showcase the NHPB’s commitment to action and impact. 

Harnessing global opportunities 

The NHPB is uniquely positioned to engage with global ageing initiatives by: 

  • Advocating for financial inclusion and universal social pensions 
  • Promoting universal health coverage and age-friendly health services 
  • Strengthening disaster resilience and support for older people during crises 
  • Amplifying grassroots voices to influence policies and programmes. 

 

A future of hope and empowerment in Bangladesh 

By uniting diverse expertise and focusing on local solutions, the NHPB hopes to transform the ageing agenda in Bangladesh. Whether it’s influencing national policies or empowering communities, the NHPB is proving that collective action can create lasting change. 

Empowering communities and shifting power dynamics in the aid sector

At HelpAge, our commitment to localisation is unwavering. 

We believe in empowering local actors, so that they have the power to influence decisions and prioritise the needs of the communities they serve. 

Our partnerships are built on mutual respect, valuing the expertise of all parties equally and fostering meaningful participation at every level. 

Read more about our commitment here.