By Shamayel Hasda from Ghior, Manikganj
BARCIK and the Helachia Farmers’ Organization jointly organized a discussion on “The Life Experiences of the Elderly and the Thoughts of the Youth” at Helachia village in Nali Union, Ghior, Manikganj to observe the International Day of senior citizens.
The event was held under the theme “You once built the world, today I will build dreams and care for you with love.” Participants discussed the harmful effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers on the environment, sharing real-life experiences and intergenerational reflections. Through posters and banners, they demanded protection of the rights of the senior citizens, promotion of organic farming, and an end to environmental pollution.
President of the Helachia Dakshinpara Farmers’ Organization Almas, General Secretary Aynal Mallik, senior citizens Muslim Uddin, Mojibur Rahman, Majoni Begum, Alekjan Begum, and Abdul Sattar including BARCIK’s Regional Coordinator Bimal Roy; Program Officer Nazrul Islam, Assistant Program Officer Gazi Shahadat Hossain; and youth representative Shamayel Hasda participated in the event.
The discussion, chaired by elder Muslim Uddin and moderated by BARCIK Program Officer Nazrul Islam, saw the participation of 14 elderly persons, 17 youths, and 13 children.
Elder Md. Shahadat Hossain (65) said, “During the rainy season, our ponds and canals used to be full of water and fish. We used to catch fish with spears. Now there’s hardly any water or fish. We have poisoned the water and destroyed the environment. The young generation must work on this issue. Many youths are wasting time in addiction and mobile games. Families must keep a close watch on their children.”
Md. Mojibur Rahman (67) said, “In the past, we cultivated many native varieties of Aman paddy like Bhawalya, Hijol Digha, Digha, Dhepo, and Nal Doga. They produced well, and we were healthier back then. Now we grow BRRI varieties like BR-29 and BR-91, which cost more and affect our health.”
Housewife Parvin Akter said, “Everyone should respect and care for their parents and in-laws because we too will grow old one day. Our children learn from our behavior. I always try to take good care of my in-laws.”
Young student Md. Sohan Mia remarked, “Even ten years ago, this canal was full of fish; now it’s empty. The senior citizens are our wealth, we must learn from their experience. I see how lovingly my parents treat my grandparents, and that has taught me to respect and care for them too.”
Regional Coordinator Bimal Roy said, “We have three generations here the elderly, the youth, and the children. Life was different in the past and will be different in the future. We have heard how elders once caught fish easily, but now fish are gone and farming is harder. Pollution has increased, and people are getting sicker. That means we are not well. We should stop using pesticides and practice agroecology in food production.”
BARCIK staff members Mukter Hossain, Gazi Shahadat Hossain, and Almas, as well as young participant Rabbi Hossain, also spoke during the event. The program concluded with songs performed by the elders.
