International Day of Older Persons today

The International Day of Older Persons is being observed with the theme ‘The Journey to Age Equality’ through various programmes in the country today (Tuesday) like elsewhere in the globe.

On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the country’s all senior citizens and wished sound health and peaceful life for them.

Marking the day, the Department of Social Services brought out a procession in the city.

In the message, President Abdul Hamid said “I’m very much delighted to learn that the International Day of Older Persons is going to be observed in the country like elsewhere in the world. People become older according to the natural rules and they face different problems. So, I think this year’s theme for the day is appropriate”.

Highlighting the present government’s initiatives for the welfare of the elderly people, including old-age allowance and “The Parents Maintenance Act-2013”, the President said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had inserted the Article 15 (D) in the Constitution of Bangladesh for ensuring social security of the country’s helpless senior citizens.

Hamid called upon the non-government organisations along with the government to protect the rights of the elderly people. In a separate message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government has taken an initiative to implement the National Policy for Elderly and form an
‘elderly development foundation’ to increase the facilities for the senior citizens.

“Awami League government is implementing different programmes under the ‘Vision 2021’ for the overall welfare of the senior citizens,” the premier said, adding that some programmes of the government have already earned acclamation in international arena.

The President and the Prime Minister wished all-out success of all programmes of the day.

The International Day of Older Persons has been being observed across the world since 1991 aiming to creating public awareness about old age along with ensuring security and rights for the senior citizens.

Dhaka/Mukul