Speakers Highlight Vital Role of Media in Protecting Rights of Seniors and PWDs

Speakers at a meeting here today stressed the need for an active and responsible role of the media to ensure the legitimate rights of senior citizens (SCs) and persons with disabilities (PWDs). They said the humanitarian role of mass media can play a crucial part in identifying elderly and disabled people who are deprived of social safety net benefits and highlighting their challenges. The remarks were made at a media campaign titled "Situation of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities: Their Challenges in the Communities", held at a city restaurant.

The meeting was organised by the Rajshahi Regional Office of Caritas Bangladesh with support from the Promotion of Comprehensive Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups, especially Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (SDDB) project. Additional Deputy Commissioner Belayet Hossain addressed the programme as chief guest, while former president of Caritas Bangladesh Jervour Rozario and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Abul Kalam Shahid spoke as special guests.

 Caritas Regional Director Dr Arook Toppo chaired the meeting. Professor Munsi Israil Hossain of the Department of Sociology at Rajshahi University presented the keynote paper, stressing the need to ensure a congenial social and family environment for the welfare of elderly and physically challenged people.

Social Service Officer Dr Hamidul Islam and Editor of the Daily Sonar Desh Akbraul Hassan Millat also spoke on the occasion. The speakers unanimously called for integrated efforts of all concerned government and non-government organisations to ensure the welfare of senior citizens and people with disabilities.