The International Day of Older Persons

The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated on October 1, 2015. In Bangladesh, the day has no significance and elderly people do not enjoy any privileges. In USA and most European countries, public buses offer 50 percent discount in the fare for persons aged above 65 years. In India, buses and metro rails have seats reserved for the elderly and there are special counters at buses, railway stations and hospitals for senior citizens.

In the TDS issue of October 1, a letter was published with regard to there not being enough seats reserved for women in buses in Bangladesh. In India and other advanced countries, if bus companies do not ensure reserved seats for women, organisations can sue them.

Reza Hussain
Baridhara
Dhaka