Elders deserve far better treatment in our society

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury The concept of "senior citizen" hardly exists in out society even though there are talks galore about the aging people. True, like many other advanced or even developing nations, no scopes are in place here for genuine care of the people, generally considered old and also vulnerable in many ways. However, elders are there in society regardless of their profession or gender. Everybody would become old at certain stage and hence the need for giving some recognition to such people. This "recognition" can be in the form of showing respect to the elders and if possible, taking care of them as far as possible. The societal pattern not only in our country, but in many other is a changing cycle. It is undeniable that the aging people characteristically look for help in varying degrees as they are prone to myriad problems. Even the best and strongest among people, leaving behind a successful life full of achievements, can be vulnerable at an advanced age. It is not only the duty of the dear and near ones, but also of conscientious persons to extend a helpful hand to such people - not necessarily standing by them. The "Bangladesh Prabin Hithoshi Sangha" with its office in Agargoan is a unique institution that spares no efforts in looking after the elders and in some cases also seeks to alleviate their sufferings. Despite resource constraints, it has embarked upon several welfare-oriented programmes for the aging people in capital Dhaka and other places of the country. The institution, the other day, gave a reception to some senior journalists and sought cooperation from the media in promoting the causes of the aging people for the welfare of society. The leaders of the "Sangha" mentioned several issues that can be taken up by the media in the interest of the elders, who constitute a fairly sizeable number of the country's population. A special page on them in the print media either weekly or fortnightly or at least monthly should be introduced like many other segments such as "Women", "Children" etc. There should be a campaign for ensuring their convenience with slogans like "Respect the elders - extend a helping hand to them ". There can also be reservation of some seats like nine seats are "reserved for women, children and the handicapped" in buses. The social welfare ministry of the government should come up with more welfare-oriented schemes for them like those exist in many countries for the "Senior citizens". The bottom line is that they should get priority in various fields of our society to which they rendered valuable contributions, but are now vulnerable mainly because of age. The journalists, who were given the reception were - veteran newsman A.B.M. Musa and D.P.Barua, the Independent Eitor Mahbubul Alam, professor Sakhwat Ali Khan of the journalism department, Dhaka University Amanullah Khan, chairman of the UNB news agency, noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud and consulting Editor of the daily Financial Express Zaglul A. Chowdhury. Two of them are octogenarians and the youngest is in the mid sixties. The speakers on the occasion lamented that the media are lagging behind in highlighting the sensitivities of the elders and as such, there is really a great need for listening to their problems and grievances. [email protected]