Mukter Hossain, from Harirampur, Manikganj
A discussion meeting on the Parents’ Maintenance Act, 2013 was held in Daskandi village of Harirampur upazila, Manikganj, marking International Day of Senior citizens 2026. The meeting was organized under this year’s theme, “New Vision for Long Life,” with support from BARCIK and the initiative of local community members and Shotobari farmers.
More than 100 people including farmers, women and men, Senior citizens and young people participated in the discussion. Ainol Haque, an elderly resident of Daskandi village, chaired the meeting. Speakers included elderly woman Anwara Begum, Babar Ali, young participants Shaon and Brishti Akter, BARCIK researcher Md. Billal Hossain, and Programme Officer Mukter Hossain.
Speakers of the discussion said that ensuring the rights, dignity and well-being of older people is a shared responsibility of families and society. They said the knowledge, experience and skills of Senior citizens should be recognized and utilized for the development of families and communities.
They also emphasized the need to ensure Senior citizens’s access to healthcare, nutritious food, medical treatment, safe housing and other essential services. Families and communities must remain vigilant so that no older person is neglected, marginalized or deprived of dignity.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about the Parents’ Maintenance Act, 2013, which outlines responsibilities toward parents and older family members. Participants were informed about key provisions of the law and discussed the importance of responsible family behavior and ensuring the dignity of Senior citizens within the household.
The participants also called on the government to ensure the effective implementation of existing laws and policies to protect the rights and security of Senior citizens.
Speakers said that Senior citizens should not be viewed as a burden on society; rather, they are valuable resources for families, communities and the country. They urged families, communities and the state to work together to recognize the contributions and life experiences of Senior citizens and ensure that they can live with dignity, security and respect.