Nari Unnayan Shakti writes PM urging nat'l action plan to protect senior citizens

Nari Unnayan Shakti, a social advocacy organization, has submitted an open letter to the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urging the government to adopt a comprehensive national action plan to safeguard the safety, dignity, healthcare, and social protection of senior citizens across Bangladesh.

In the letter, the organization expressed deep concern over what it described as a “silent humanitarian crisis” affecting the country’s elderly population. 

While acknowledging Bangladesh’s significant progress in economic growth, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology, the group warned that many senior citizens continue to face neglect, abuse, and insecurity.

The appeal follows a recent tragic incident reported in the media involving the death of an elderly mother, which the organization said had shocked the nation. 

According to the letter, such incidents highlight not only individual family failures but also broader societal and institutional shortcomings in protecting vulnerable older citizens.

“Many elderly people in Bangladesh are suffering from family neglect, psychological abuse, property-related exploitation, lack of medical care, and financial insecurity,” the letter stated. 

It further alleged that in numerous cases, financially capable adult children fail to fulfill their responsibilities toward their aging parents, leaving them isolated and deprived of proper care and dignity.

Describing the issue as a matter of national responsibility rather than merely a welfare concern, Nari Unnayan Shakti emphasized that ensuring the well-being of senior citizens is essential for sustainable and humane development.

The organization outlined a 10-point set of recommendations for government action. These include the launch of a “National Program for the Protection and Dignity of Senior Citizens” to ensure healthcare, safety, rehabilitation, and social participation for older persons.

Among the key proposals are stricter enforcement of laws against elder abuse and neglect, expedited judicial processes to address property disputes and forced evictions, and the establishment of a 24-hour national helpline dedicated to assisting senior citizens facing abuse or emergencies.

The group also called for an increase in old-age allowances and expanded coverage for vulnerable seniors, as well as the creation of dedicated senior citizen service corners in district hospitals and upazila health complexes to ensure affordable or free medical care.

Other recommendations include the development of a national database of elderly individuals living alone, regular welfare monitoring, emergency response systems, and the establishment of modern senior citizen service centers, day-care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and district-level hostels for middle-income and affluent elderly individuals seeking secure living arrangements.

The letter further emphasized the importance of mental health services, counseling, cultural activities, and community engagement opportunities to combat loneliness and social isolation among seniors. 

It also urged the government to launch nationwide awareness campaigns promoting respect and family responsibility toward elderly parents.

“The true measure of a civilized and compassionate nation lies in how it treats its elderly citizens,” the letter stated, noting that today’s elderly population played a crucial role in building the nation.

The signatory, identifying as a senior citizen, appealed to the Prime Minister for urgent intervention on behalf of millions of elderly people across the country. 

Nari Unnayan Shakti expressed confidence that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, Bangladesh could become an elder-friendly nation where no parent faces neglect, abuse, or an undignified death.

Government officials have not yet issued a response to the letter.