RAJSHAHI: Senior citizens deserve social and psychological support, legal and moral protection by families, neighbours, community and society and the state at large, reports BSS. Creating awareness about the human rights of people in society, particularly among the older persons and protection of their rights has become an urgent task for all of us.

The elders need legal protection, social protection, and home-based and personalized care from family members. This is a moral obligation for all of us, the younger people in particular. The observations came at a discussion titled “Collective Efforts of Senior and Junior Citizens needed to boost Social Strength” at North Bengal International University (NBIU) in Rajshahi city on Monday.

District unit of Senior Citizens Welfare Association (SCWA) organised the discussion in association with NBIU to mark the International Day of Older Persons -2018.

Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) AHM Khairuzzaman Liton addressed the meeting as chief guest with NBIU Vice-chancellor and SCWA President Prof Abdul Khaleque in the chair.

NBIU Trustee Board Chairman Prof Rasheda Khaleque, SCWA Treasurer Md Waliuzzaman and senior citizens Anwara Begum, Prof Shirin Sufiya Khanom and Idrish Ali also spoke.

Mayor Liton says elderly population should not be isolated; they should rather be encouraged to participate actively in social, cultural, economic and political affairs.

Liton mentioned that the government and society should establish regulatory mechanisms, based on human rights standards, for the delivery of services to older people.

He said the role of the family in helping them is very crucial to ensure all deserving facilities and services.

Mayor Liton, however, said the RCC will work for welfare of the senior citizens in the days ahead.