'80pc people deprived of social protection in old age’

The International Day of Older Persons 2007 will be observed in the country today, as elsewhere around the globe with the slogan 'Addressing the challenges and opportunities of ageing'.
The UN General Assembly designated October 1 the International Day of Older Persons in 1990 and the Day has been being observed across the world since 1991.
On the occasion, various socio-cultural organisations chalked out different programmes in the city.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a message said population ageing brings significant economics and social challenges for developed and developing countries alike.
He said, “Some 80 percentage of the world's population are not covered by social protection in old age. Finding ways to provide economic support for a growing number of older persons, through sustainable pension programme and new social protection measures is a daunting task, particularly in developing countries.”
“Older persons now have many opportunities to keep contributing to society beyond any set retirement age. Our views on what it means to be old are changing all the time. Where older persons were sometimes seen as a burden on society, they are now increasingly recognised as an asset that can and should be tapped.”
Ban Ki-moon hoped together, taking a balanced approach to both the challenges and opportunities of ageing, all will be able to give life to their shared vision of a society for all ages.
Bangladesh Prabeen Hitoishi Sangha will hold a discussion on Prabeen Bhaban premises in the city at 10:00am.
Bangladesh Jatisangha Samiti will accord a reception to three veteran personalities. They are artist Prof Shafiqul Amin, musician Sudhin Das and Begum magazine Editor Nurzahan Begum.
Officers Club Dhaka will hold a discussion on “Elderly people's contribution in building a nation” at Bailey Road at 4:00pm.