The government plans to issue specialized ID cards to over one and a half crore senior citizens, who will enjoy senior citizen facilities with the respective cards.
Currently, there are more than 1.53 crore senior citizens in Bangladesh, which is more than 9 per cent of the country's total population.
The government has already adopted strategies and plans for the welfare and protection of the elderly population. For this, in the current financial year the sector has been allocated 7, 683 crores.
By 2025, the number of senior citizens in the country will be around 1.8 crore. Based on the number of senior citizens, the allocation of the government will also be increased in the future, said those concerned.
In 1990, the United Nations decided to observe the International Day of Older Persons on October 1 every year. The day was started in 1991 with the aim of ensuring the protection and rights of the elderly as well as creating global public awareness about ageing.
This year, like other countries of the world, this day will be observed in Bangladesh through various programs. Various organizations have taken various programs on the occasion of the day. Like every year this year too Department of Social Services (DSS) will celebrate the day.
A circular signed by Mohamad Zakir Hossai, Public Relations Officer Ministry of Social Welfare has said, like the rest of the world, Bangladesh will observe the 32nd International Elderly Day on Saturday.
@The article appeared on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on September 30, 2022 and rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan.
