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While disability care services remain limited, he said expanding them would require more time and resources. With the ageing population on the rise, elderly care has also been identified as a priority, and existing public and private care centres will be further developed.

The government also plans to establish caregiving training centres to meet domestic demand and prepare workers for overseas employment, said the minister, adding that training will include languages such as Japanese, Mandarin, English, and Arabic.

The minister encouraged private investment in the sector, saying the government would support viable initiatives despite resource constraints.

Such investments would yield long-term economic and social benefits, he added.

“Empowering women is a macroeconomic necessity. By redefining care as a shared responsibility rather than a workload borne solely by women, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce,” he also said.

State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin said the care economy must be recognised as a key driver of development.

Positioning care as a priority ensures it becomes a dignified sector that drives economic prosperity and empowers women, she said.

Max Tunon, country director of ILO in Bangladesh, said transforming care into a public policy priority is unlocking a vital engine for economic prosperity and gender equality.

“We are committed to expanding quality and accessible childcare and long-term care services to address the evolving needs of society.”

The conclave comes as Bangladesh aims to raise women’s labour force participation to 50 percent by 2030. The rate currently stands at 42.6 percent, with challenges including unpaid care burdens, underemployment, wage gaps, and informal work.

Gitanjali Singh, country representative of UN Women Bangladesh, in her opening remarks, said, “The undervaluing and gendered division of care work is one of the biggest drivers of gender inequality. Investing in care systems is a triple win for women, society and the economy.”

Keynote speakers from the ILO and ADB noted that investment in care systems could significantly boost economic growth.

According to ILO estimates, universal investment in childcare and long-term care could create over seven million decent jobs in Bangladesh by 2035, they noted.

A panel discussion titled “From Commitment to Action: Advancing the Care Economy in Bangladesh” explored pathways for translating policy commitments into practical reforms.

Speakers included senior secretaries from relevant ministries, representatives from the National Skills Development Authority, the Ministry of Finance, the Asian Development Bank, and academia.

The conclave also featured an interactive marketplace showcasing existing models of childcare, long-term care and training services in the country.