Md. Shiplu Zaman :
Aging is a phase of every human life and thus unavoidable. Many countries like Bangladesh treat the old people as the senior citizens of the country who can show the young generation the right direction by dint of their experience. However, in Bangladesh where the population is enormous with scarce resources, aging issues should be handled carefully. Otherwise, the critical economic problem may arise, and its consequence may harm the country’s overall development and growth.
Bangladesh is a small territory of 147,570 square kilometer with a total population of about 160 million and estimated to be around 202 million by 2050. The population statistics of the country suggests that the proportion of aged population of the country is increasing gradually. During 1951 to 2010, the absolute number of aged people increased 7.72 million. If this trend goes on, the number may reach 12.05 million and 17.62 million in the year 2015 and 2025 respectively.
The present age structure of the population of Bangladesh looks like a pyramid shape. The base is wider than the top of the pyramid. It means a high fertility is gradually stabilizing. According to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011, 35.3% populations are below 15 years compared to 43.2% in 1989. In the same year 56.5%, people were within the age of 15-59 years whereas the rate was 50.9% in 1989. Most importantly, 8.2% people are over 60 years compared to 5.9% in 1989 .
However, the population pyramid would be changing as time progress due to changing of demographic trends. In 2060, population pyramid of Bangladesh would look like a tower – the base is getting thinner while the top is getting fat.
The declining birth and death rate has also contributed to the aging phenomenon. Birth and death rate decreased tremendously; from 1951 to 2001, birth rate reduced from 51.3 to 18.9 while death rate came down to 4.8 in 2001 from 29.7 in 1951.
The reasons for this decline in both birth and death rate are improved medical facilities, intake of nutritious foods, well-structured family planning program, proper sanitation, increase in education and awareness level of mass people, active role of government and Non-Government Organization (NGO) and so on. Consequently, the life expectancy of people increased significantly. It was only 48.1 years in 1961, then increased to 66.6 years in 2007 and 67.7 years in 2010 and expected to go up further.
Obviously, demographic indicators reflect the positive scenario of attainment of Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the enlargement of elderly people is emerging as a future threat that requires proper attention.
The senior citizens suffer from various diseases; malnutrition; poverty; hunger; and insecurity. Elderly people in Bangladesh are mostly dependent on their children, especially sons. However, the process of urbanization, industrialization, effects of western culture, weakening of family bond, creation of nuclear family and so forth make them more vulnerable and insecure.
All the ratios and indices of aging are pointing the future problems and demanding more concern about the aging issues. It is difficult to manage and make suitable policy for such a big number of destitute, poverty-stricken people for a developing country like Bangladesh. That is why; the aging issue needs special attention of all concerned.
Bangladesh government is always concerned about the elderly population and has already taken many initiatives for the betterment of the aged people. Article 15(d) of the Part-II of the Constitution of Bangladesh, ensures the right of elderly people. It mentions that the fundamental responsibility of the Government is to ensure the social security of widows, orphans or elderly people from unemployment, illness or disablement.
Bangladesh government started the ‘Old Age Allowance’ scheme in 1998 for the first time in FY 1998-1999.
At the beginning only a total of Taka 485 million was allocated for 0.403 million beneficiaries at Taka 100 per person. However, gradually the allowance has increased to Taka 400 per month and the number of recipients has reached 2.722 million in FY 2014-2015.
Bangladesh has formulated the “National Social Welfare Policy 2005” and “National Policy on Older Persons 2013” in conformity with the Article 15(d) of the constitution. In the National Social Welfare Policy, the government is committed to provide financial aid to aged people as a part of social security.
The Population Policy of Bangladesh 2013 also addresses the issues of elderly persons and their preference in a social safety net program of the country. It spells to strengthen family support system through advocacy, increase prevailing old age allowances and coverage and so on.
On the other hand, the Health Policy of Bangladesh also aims to ensure especial attention to the health problems of destitute people including the aged.
There is a pension system for all the retired public employees entirely funded by the government. On retirement at the age of 59 years or death, they can get the pension every month. Furthermore, a system of Gratuity and General Provident Fund (GPF) is also there for the future of public servants. These entire schemes give the government employees a kind of security at their old age.
NGOs also play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. Sometimes they act as watchdogs for the government activities while sometimes they are the partner in social activities.
Many organizations in Bangladesh are imparting their crucial responsibility in the issue related to aging. Bangladesh Association for the Aged and Institutes of Geriatric Medicine (BAAIGM), Old and Child Rehabilitation Center, Resource Integration Centre (RIC), Bangladesh Association for Gerontology, and so on are actively working for the aging issue in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is striving to become a middle-income country by 2021. The country has a scarcity of resources with many issues to be solved. However, the senior citizens deserve much attention. The government is keen to take every necessary step for the betterment of its senior citizens. We must put all our efforts together to make the last part of their life more lively and meaningful.
—PID Feature
