Senior citizens put forward 7-point demand
Senior citizens here on Friday stressed the need for more intensive role of the media in promoting their rights as the country’s aging population to hit 5 crore by 2050.
Addressing a discussion meeting-cum-reception to senior media professionals, they also put forward a seven-point demand, including the introduction of a separate beat on ageing issues in all media houses and accommodation of a special section on ageing in daily newspapers.
Their other demands are avoiding fragmented, distorted and negative attitude towards the elders in news presentation, taking programmes to inspire the young generation to help the elders, highlighting the achievements of senior citizens at national and international levels, arranging programmes in media houses to create awareness about the rights of older people, recognising the contributions of senior media professionals and using their experiences and wisdom.
The programme was arranged by Bangladesh Association for the Aged and Institute of Geriatric Medicine (BAAIGM) at its headquarters in the capital.
BAAIGM this year also honoured seven senior media personalities for their contributions to journalism, particularly for their efforts to promote the causes of senior citizens in society.
Dhaka University Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique who was present at the programme as the chief guest distributed crests among five senior citizens.
They are Daily Independent editor and former caretaker government adviser Mahbubul Alam, UNB chairman and former president of BAAIGM Amanullah Khan, chief editor and managing director of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) DP Barua, Prof Shakhawat Ali Khan of Dhaka University’s Journalism Department and former BSS chief editor and managing director Jaglul Ahmed Chowdhury.
Speaking on the occasion, UNB chairman Amanullah Khan said that the issues of senior citizens are not properly focused by most media in Bangladesh.
Though several newspapers try to cover special issues and events like the International Older Persons Day, they miss the issues throughout the remaining year, he said.
Amanullah Khan pointed out that it is a prerequisite to finding out mechanisms to be able to use the wisdom and experiences of the older people in a bid to build an inclusive society.
He also stressed the importance of incorporating the issues of ageing people in the country’s development agenda. “There’s no mention of the older persons in the country’s development agenda. They’re being eliminated day by day,” he observed.
In his keynote presentation, BAAIGM secretary general Prof ASM Atiqur Rahman said the government must take immediate steps to ensure the rights of the fast-growing ageing population of the country.
By 2050, he added, about five crore people of the country will graduate to the senior category.
The programme was presided over by BAAIGM president Eng Nazrul Islam.
Source: UNB Connect
