President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said ensuring a healthy, safe and dignified life for elderly people is the responsibility of the state.
He stressed the need for taking necessary initiatives, including the formation of a dedicated ‘Senior Citizens Cell’ under the Ministry of Social Welfare, to address the needs and welfare of older people.
The President said these when a 16-member delegation of the Bangladesh Senior Citizen Forum, led by its President Ferdous Ara Begum, met him at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the delegation placed several demands, including old-age allowances, a 50 percent fare concession on the metro rail, trains and public transport for citizens aged 65 and above, elderly-friendly healthcare services, and the introduction of a universal Senior Citizen Card.
The President expressed solidarity with the demands and assured the delegation of necessary cooperation.
The President's Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, along with Bangladesh Senior Citizen Forum General Secretary Md Khabir Uddin and other delegation members, were present at the meeting.