BANGLADESH: Economists Urge More Funds for Elderly

DHAKA (The Daily Star), May 30, 2006: Speakers at the National Press Club discussion on 'Upcoming budget (2006-2007) and aspirations of elderly people' yesterday called for increasing the allocation for elderly people in the upcoming national budget. The discussion was organised jointly by Resource Integration Centre (RIC), Samonnoy and Daily Sangbad. The government was urged to increase the allocation for elderly people in the next budget to Taka 500 crore. Samonnoy Chairperson Dr Atiur Rahman placed a 22-point proposal for consideration in the upcoming budget to meet the needs of the elderly. A 'senior citizen card' should be issued for them to get free health care and soft loan for older able-bodied people. Economist Dr Atiur Rahman at a discussion on aspirations of elderly people. Photo: STAR The issue of elderly people should be included in development agenda as their number would be double by 2020, Dr Sharifa, a researcher, said, adding that the elderly people spent their lives to contribute to the development of the society and they should be cared properly in their old age. She also urged the government to allocate at least one percent of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for their welfare. Copyright 2006 The Daily Star