Transport relief for senior citizens

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday proposed a range of transport benefits for senior citizens, including free travel on government-operated trains and discounted fares on metro rail services, as part of the national budget for FY2026-27.

Placing the budget, the finance minister said the government remained committed to recognising the contributions of senior citizens and improving their quality of life.

“The role of senior citizens in nation-building is invaluable, and our government remains steadfast in its commitment to their welfare,” he said.

Under the proposal, citizens aged 65 and above will be entitled to free travel on government-owned railway services. They will also receive a 25 percent discount on metro rail fares.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen social protection and promote inclusive development.

The proportion of the population aged 65 and above was 6.14 percent in 2023, up from 5.67 percent a year earlier, according to key findings from the Sample Vital Registration System 2023 of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

The dependency ratio of people aged over 65 rose to 9.4 percent in 2023 from 8.6 percent in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways and Bangladesh Railway announced in May this year a 25 percent fare discount on train travel for senior citizens and physically challenged passengers.

Under the arrangement, citizens aged 65 and above will be eligible for the concession, which will be automatically verified using National Identity Card data during online ticket purchases.