Respecting and Caring the Aged People: A Reflection of a Living Society

Padma Koiborto Das (80) from Nowapara village of Kalmakanda of Netrokuna district to Upazill Sadar. She wore nice and new Shari (Bengali traditional dress) though she is poor fellow. She wore a new shari to celebrate the annual religious festival Durga Puja. She learns from BARCIK that 1st October is international older (aged) people day. The aged people, particularly in this day place their demand and ask all to assist them establishing their rights. The new generation, in this day expresses solidarity with the demand of the aged people and learns ranges of things associated with the rights of aged people. Learning that including other aged people and students, teacher and people of different occupations Ms. Das also participated in the rally arraagenged by BARCIK, Social Welfare Department and Cultural Groups in Kalmakanda. Ms. Das does not have cultivable land except her homestead. The only asset homestead also got damaged due to landslide caused by hilly surge. But she aged people allowance from the union parisad. Most of the people, however, who participated in the rally and discussion session, arranged by BARCIK, social welfare department and cultural groups in Kalmakanda mentioned that in spite of being aged (crossing 60 years old) they have not yet get allowance provided by the government. Amena Begum, Monjura Begum, Sharmir Uddin and some others from Bishara village have not yet received aged people allowance although they are beyond 60 years old!

After the rally a discussion was held where Parliament Member of Netrokuna constituency-1 Chabi Biswas attended as chief guest. Kalmakand Upazill Vice Chairmen Md. Rofiquzzaman & Koli Akter, Upazilla social welfare official Md. Shahidullah, secondary education officer S.M Wazed Ali Talukder, Freedom Fighter Commander Sulan Gias Uddin, Kalmakanda Press Club President Razzak Ahmed Raju, Awami league president in Kalamakanda Mujurul Haque Tara and some others attended as special guests of the discussion. The whole discussion was moderated by the UNO (Upazilla Nirabahi Officer) Nasima Khanom. MP Chabi Biswas said, “We should all stand beside the aged people, we should do our responsibility towards the aged people. This is our moral responsibility to help the aged people establishing their rights as citizens of the state.” He said, “Respecting and caring towards the aged people is the reflection of a living society. Aged people are part of the population. They are experienced and knowledgeable. We should all respect them and learn from them. In the same time the aged people also should contribute to show the right path for the youth.” UNO Nasima Khanom said, “The aged people are pioneer of human civilization, they are our pride and encouragement. But most of the time they do not get fair treatment from us that they are entitle to. We seldom recognize and show gratitude towards them for their contribution in our life. We should remember that someday we will turn old and if we respect them and help them we also will receive the same from the new generation when we grow old.” She said, “We will try to provide allowance to the aged people who are still deprived from the services. There are many nursing homes in city where aged people get service and affection. These sorts of services should be established in remote areas as well.” Among others Md. Rofiquzzaman, Koli Akter, Md. Shahidullah, Mujurul Haque Tara and some others shared their view and concern about the aged people. The discussants made some recommendations in order to establish the rights of aged people and ensure their access to services provided the state.

After the discussion a cultural function was arranged where the folk musicians presented various songs to entertain the crowd. They also presented some touchy words through their singing to describe the responsibility of the new generation towards the old.

In the same time the international day of older people was observed in Manikgonj as well. Probin Hitoishi Shongho Manikganj and BARCIK Manikganj Resource Centre jointly observed the day. The program started by arranging a joyous rally from the District Coage1mmissioner Office and closed at in front of the temporary office of Probin Hitoishi Shongh. Additional District Magistrate Mr. Razibul Islam led the whole rally by crossing the main road of Manikganj Shodor. After the rally, discussion meeting on Aging Issue as well as present condition of elderly people was started by the speech of Assistant Director, Social Welfare Office, Mr. Kiran Shangkar Biswas. He told that however the facilities from government are not sufficient, but, he is trying his best to ensure highest quantity for Manikganj district. He also said that the number of cards for older people, widow will increase soon. He wished to help by managing a land for the Probin Hitoishi Shongho to build a permanent office.

Civil society members and other speakers from different organization also shared their opinion about the present condition of older people and the role of Government. After the session, the chief guest, Mr. Kiran Shangkar Biswas honored two persons by giving the ‘Momotamoy O Momotamoyi Crest” who takes intensive care of their elder family member.