Int'l Day of Older Persons today

The International Day of Older Persons is being observed on Sunday with the theme 'Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations'.

On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the country's senior citizens and wishing them sound health and peaceful life.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in his message, said, "I welcome the initiative of observing the International Day of Older Persons in the country like elsewhere in the world. I think this year's theme for the day 'Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations' is appropriate".

The development of the country is accelerated through the combination of the enthusiasm of the youth and the experience of the senior citizens, he said, adding that the contribution of elders in the progress of civilization is undeniable.

Due to the excellence of medical science and the improvement of socio-economic conditions, the number of elderly people in Bangladesh is increasing day by day, the President said, adding, "Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inserted Article 15 (Gha) related to social security in the principles of state management of the constitution for ensuring social security of the elderly".

To ensure a dignified, poverty-free, functional, healthy and secure family and social life for elderly persons, the government has enacted the National Policy on Older Persons-2013 and the Parent's Care Act, 2013, he said.

Besides, old-age allowance was introduced in the fiscal year 1997-98, Shahabuddin said, adding that in the financial year 2023-24, a total of 58 lakh 1 thousand senior citizens are receiving old-age allowance under the programme.

Along with the increase in the number of old-age allowance beneficiaries, the amount of allowance is also being increased, he said, adding, that in the era of immense possibilities of information technology, Bangladesh has progressed a lot in the path of digitalization.

Appropriate use of advanced and modern information technology should be ensured for the welfare of the elderly people, the head of the state said and urged the authorities concerned to take appropriate steps so that "our senior citizens can enjoy all the facilities of digital technology and technological equality".

Growing older is associated with many physical and psychological problems, including loneliness and isolation, he said, adding it is very important for the government as well as various private philanthropic organizations and affluent section of the society to come forward so that this respected people of the society can live a beautiful life in their old age.

Besides, effective initiatives must be taken to prevent the degradation of family and social values in creating a senior citizen-friendly society, Shahabuddin said, adding, "I wish the elderly people across the world good health, peaceful and dignified lives".

/KN/