Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on Monday officially launched a platform called 'Bangladesh Jatiya Prabin Manch' in the city to ensure a better and respectable life for senior citizens in the society.
PKSF introduced the platform with the coordination of people and representatives of organisations who are working for the betterment of the senior citizens.
Speaking as chief guest, Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon said inclusive use of the experience of older people and the workforce of youth can play the key role in country's development.
Mentioning that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be fulfilled leaving anyone behind, the minister said, not only welfare but empowering the senior citizens is also important, reports UNB.
"Through this platform, senior citizens will get their own identity, their own grounds", he added.
While presiding over the programme Chairman of PKSF Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said the platform will work as an assistance force and monitoring organisation of the government regarding the development of the senior citizens.
While talking about the initiatives taken by PKSF for the welfare of these people, Managing Director of PKSF Abdul Karim said because of the limited resource, the organisation is able to reach only 100 unions with their activities.
If the resources are increased, the activities can be reached all over the country ensuring service, health care, financial support and safety of the senior citizens, he added.
Foyez Ahmed, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Ministry said senior citizens would live better and longer if they are engaged in work ensuring social reputation.
Deputy Managing Director of PKSF Fazlul Kader said the journey of this platform first started since 2009 when PKSF took the initiative of starting life circle based programme to ensure respectful life from a newborn baby to the senior citizens of the country, reports UNB.
