According to government statistics, around 7.5% (1.25 crore) of the country's total population constitutes elderly people, while the number is expected to increase sharply and reach around 20% (over 4 crore) by 2050. Population experts and rights activists think the government should conduct proper programs and policies to cater to the specific needs of an ageing population. Chairman of the Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Kazi Reazul Hoque said: "I feel the rights of elderly persons are not being ensured now. Older persons deserve more attention and care from the state, as well as society." In his research paper titled "Elderly People in Bangladesh: Vulnerabilities, Laws and Policies”, Jahangirnagar University Anthropology department teacher Sazzadul Alam, identifying 12 types of vulnerabilities being faced by the elderly people in Bangladesh, said the elderly population needs economic support including: food, clothing, medical care and housing, as well as cultural support.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 24, 2019 06:00 UTC