The International Day of Older Persons-2017 was observed through various programmes in the country today as elsewhere in the globe wishing dignified life for the country’s senior citizens.
This year’s theme of the day is “Stepping into the future: Trapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”
Marking the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages.
President Abdul Hamid said,” It is necessary to take steps to ensure basic and human rights of older persons so that they can live life with comfort and honour.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said,” The elderly people have main role in building the today’s society so it’s the duty of families, society and state to take step for their care and welfare.”
The present government has launched old age allowance, formed National Policy for Older People 2013, Parents Maintenance Act 2013 for the welfare of senior citizens, she said.
‘Bangladesh Probin Hitoishi Sangha (BPHS)’ and Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangshad (BMS) jointly brought out a colorful rally in Rangpur city and held a discussion at District Muktijoddha Complex auditorium in observance of the day.
President of the district unit of BPHS and the district unit of BMS Mosaddek Hossain Bablu presided over the discussion.
The day was also observed in Narail district through various programmes.
Marking the day, the district social service office brought out a rally from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office premises and parading main streets of the town, the rally was ended at the same venue following a discussion held at the DC office with deputy director of the district’s Local Government Division Md Siddiqur Rahman in the chair.
Executive Director of ‘Prabin Bandhu’ Dr Mahsin Kabir Liman said there are one crore and 30 lakh senior citizens now in the country which would be increased to one crore 80 lakh in 2025, four crore in 2050 and five crore 50 lakh in 2061.
To achieve the sustainable development goals, the government has taken various programmes to ensure the required necessities of the country’s elderly citizens, he said, adding that the government is implantation different programmes under social safety net programme involving Taka 1,890 crore giving priority on old age allowance and rehabilitation programmes.
The United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons on December 14, 1990. The day was observed for the first time on October 1 in 1991.
