Dhaka: Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has announced that issues concerning elderly persons will be integrated into the reform agenda. Dr. Mahmud delivered this statement while speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion held at the 71 Auditorium of Daffodil Plaza in Dhanmondi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Mahmud highlighted the loneliness and isolation often experienced by the elderly, coupled with various physical and mental challenges. He underscored the importance of ensuring that this esteemed segment of society is able to live in dignity and comfort during their later years. Dr. Mahmud called upon public and private organizations, as well as affluent individuals, to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the elderly.
Dr. Mahmud pointed out the absence of a specific government policy tailored for elderly persons, noting the urgency of developing elderly-friendly policies and infrastructure. He remarked on the high costs of modern healthcare, emphasiz
ing the social responsibility of the younger generation to care for and protect the elder population.
The roundtable was organized by the Bangladesh Senior Citizen Welfare Society and chaired by Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and Chairman of the Bangladesh Senior Citizen Welfare Society. Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chief Patron of the Bangladesh Senior Citizen Welfare Society, President of the Association of Private Universities, and Chairman of Daffodil Group, was also present.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman advocated for the establishment of a strong government commission to assess and enhance existing frameworks and policies concerning the rights and dignity of elderly persons. He stressed the necessity of ensuring a welfare-oriented and comfortable existence for the elderly population, highlighting the significance of addressing their mental health to prevent loneliness.
Dr. Rahman also proposed the involvement of elderly individuals in moral and value-based education programs
to foster intergenerational collaboration. It is noteworthy that on December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. Bangladesh, along with other nations, has been observing this day since 1991.