Look after senior citizens: Speakers

The government should take special measures to ensure rights and dignity of senior citizens, said speakers at a seminar yesterday.

Currently, elderly people account for around eight percent of the country's population. The number is expected to increase sharply and reach around 20 percent by 2050, they said, citing various statistics.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organised the seminar titled, “Protecting the rights of the older people: Intergenerational coordination”, at a Dhaka hotel, supported by Human Rights Programme of UNDP Bangladesh.

NHRC Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque said there is a rise in the average lifespan and by 2050, one in five persons in the country will be a senior citizen. Special measures coupled with social awareness and government policies are crucial to ensure their welfare, he said.

In addition, the country can utilise their experience and expertise, rather than making them feel isolated or discriminated, he added.

Speaking as chief guest, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, said people from all generations will have to join hands in ensuring their (the elderly) overall welfare.

Rabeya Sultana, country director of HelpAge International, said, “We have a good number of elderly population, who are 60-70 years old, and are still capable of working and contributing towards the economy.”

But society considers them a burden, she said, adding that the rights of senior citizens should be included in curriculum.

Eminent author Selina Hossain said it has to be made sure that the elderly do not feel isolated or neglected. Also, like other countries, old homes here should provide them with various indoor and outdoor facilities, which would help them remain active.

Sudipto Mukherjee, country director of UNDP, Bangladesh, and Asa Britta Torkelsson, country director of UNFPA, also spoke at the seminar.