Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Dec 18, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a meeting here today unequivocally called for integrated efforts of all government and non-government organizations concerned for the welfare of the elderly and physically challenged people.

They viewed that many of the elderly and the people with special needs are subjected to repression and oppression due to their vulnerable conditions in the family and society.

The remarks were made in the district level conference on the “possibilities of promoting one stop solution centres in every upazila”, held at the conference hall of the office of Department of Social Services (DSS) in the city.

Rajshahi Regional Office of Caritas Bangladesh organized the meeting where senior citizens, people with disabilities, members of the civil society, religious leaders and representatives from government and non-government entities attended.

The Social Development for Dignity and Betterment (SDDB) project supported the meeting.

DSS Deputy Director Monira Khatun and Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Mahbuba Khatun addressed the meeting as chief and special guests with Caritas Regional Director Dr Arook Toppo in the chair.

The speakers observed that the society can benefit from the knowledge and experience the old aged people gained in their lifetime.

The meeting was told that schoolgirls can play a pivotal role in caring for their near and dear old people, helping them lead their life peacefully and that is very important for their welfare.

 By nature, girls take more care of their parents and traditionally have been contributing a lot towards ensuring congenial atmosphere everywhere in the society and the family as well for the welfare of the elderly people.

 Monira Khatun stressed the need for ensuring congenial atmosphere in the society including family for the welfare of the elderly people.

She views many people become vulnerable when they reach their old age and face multifarious problems due to various reasons.

 To mitigate the odd situation, the respective family members should take the responsibility of protecting them as there is no way to discard their contribution to the field of culture, economy and politics in the country.

Dr Mahbuba Khatun mentioned that if every son and daughter pays due respect to their parents, no aged people would face an unexpected condition.

During concept paper presentation, Junior Programme Officer Augustine Ratia Nunia gave an overview of the SDDB project along with its aims, objectives and implementation strategy.

He said the SDDB aims to uplift vulnerable communities by eradicating poverty, promoting economic empowerment, ensuring inclusive education, improving health and nutrition.

Fostering ecological sustainability, and strengthening disaster resilience, focusing on marginalized groups like people with disabilities, the poor, and indigenous peoples are the objectives to achieve integral human development and dignity.