MANIKGANJ, Oct 7, 2025 (BSS) - The International Day of Older Persons was observed in the district today with various programmes, aiming to raise awareness about the rights and well-being of elderly citizens.

The theme of this year's International Day of Older Persons is "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights".

The day's programme began with a colourful rally that paraded through the main roads of the district town.

A discussion was later held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Manwar Hossein attended the event as the chief guest, while freedom fighter and founder principal of Manikganj Government Women's College, also president of Manikganj Probin Hitoishi Sangha, Mofijul Islam Khan Kamal, presided over the function.

Among others, former district education officer Md Abdul Monnaf Khan, former chairman of Krishnapur union and valiant freedom fighter Abdul Hamid Khan, Professor Intaj Uddin, Professor Urmila Roy, Deputy Director of Social Services Abdul Baten, and journalist Monirul Islam Mihir spoke on the occasion.

Speakers called upon the government to ensure reserved seats for elderly people in public transport, and to establish separate booths for them at banks and hospitals. They also demanded increased allocation in the social services sector for the elderly.