Photo : Messenger
As society shifts from a traditional to a contemporary and neoliberal one, family bonds, societal conventions, and values are eroding daily. Growing instances of abuse, resentment, and carelessness directed towards parents are indicative of this shifting social landscape, where youth all over the world are abusing their parents and the elderly. Similar forms of abuse and neglect towards parents are widespread in Bangladesh, despite the country's religious and cultural traditions having some degree of social dominance. In recent years, the plight of elderly individuals in Bangladesh has become a pressing social issue, characterised by various forms of abuse and a lack of adequate support systems. Moreover, 15.3 million people in Bangladesh are 60 years of age or older, making up 9.28 percent of the country's total population, up from 7.48 percent in the Population and Housing Census, 2022. This number is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, posing serious challenges to the nation.
In the case of Bangladesh, elderly people are suffering from different forms of abuse, including physical, economical and mental forms of abuse. Physical abuse of the elderly is alarmingly prevalent in Bangladesh. Cases often go unreported due to fear and social stigma. Abdul Halim, a 72-year-old freedom fighter, was killed on purpose by his son, who then tried to trick the police by setting up the crime scene to look like a robbery. Halim's body was found in his home in Narayanganj's Fatullah on February 1, 2023. After that, Masud said that thieves broke in, tied him up, killed his father, and took money and jewelry before leaving. The police found the place ransacked, but there were no signs of someone breaking in. Later, it was found out that Masud had hired a killer, Rubel, and that he and Rubel strangled Halim in his sleep, stole money from the cupboard, and ransacked the room. After arresting Rubel and finding the missing CCTV footage, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) solved the murder mystery. "Masud planned the murder so that he could steal the Tk 30 lakh that his father recently took out of the bank," The PBI official said Masud paid Rubel Tk 5 lakh to help him kill his father at his home in Fatullah's Dharmaganj Maula Bazar area.
Economic exploitation is another grave issue. Many elderly individuals are deprived of their rightful access to pensions or savings by their own children or relatives. Monir Ahmad (65) worked for an oil firm and died at home from illnesses in Ward No. 8 of Baruthan Union of Karnaphuli Upazila of Chittagong in December 2022. Three daughters and two boys are among the deceased's children. They are said to be arguing about money from the father's retirement stipend. Despite this, his body was not buried since his children were feuding over his Tk 30 lakh retirement money. Monir Ahmed's body was discovered in an ambulance outside his home 24 hours after he died. There is no sadness at home. Their brothers, sisters, and nephews are fighting. The brothers claimed that one of their sisters stole Tk 30 lakh from the bank while they were undergoing treatment in the hospital. This incident has outraged the local inhabitants. Some individuals were offended and denounced. 'What time has it come,' Amena Begum, a neighbor of the late Monir Ahmad, observed. When someone dies, they recite the Qur'an, pray, and cry. Even if the individual dies, the boys and girls show no signs of grief. Even burial is forbidden!'.
Mental abuse, including neglect and emotional torment, is widespread. It has been widely observed that many elderly individuals suffer from depression and anxiety due to isolation and the lack of emotional support. Many parents from the higher economic class let their children go for higher studies abroad by thinking about their prospective future careers. After graduation, once they entered the job abroad it became difficult for them to come and visit their parents in times of need. And middle and lower economic class parents also let their children go to different districts for higher studies or jobs. At the beginning, although they could manage their time but gradually, with the expansion of their very own family, most of them can’t afford time to visit and take care of their parents physically. These increase the parents’ mental health crisis and their vulnerability over the period as they do not find anybody around them to take care of them. Besides, the mental health of the elderly is often overlooked, exacerbating their suffering.
The rise in abuse against the elderly in Bangladesh can be attributed to several factors, including economic pressure, changing family dynamics, lack of awareness and social support. The increasing cost of living and high unemployment rates place economic stress on families, leading to frustration and subsequent abuse of elderly members. The traditional extended family structure is breaking down, with more nuclear families and migration to urban areas, leaving elderly individuals isolated. There is a significant lack of awareness regarding the rights and needs of the elderly, coupled with insufficient social support systems.
The Bangladeshi government has enacted several policies aimed at supporting the elderly, such as the National Policy on Older Persons and the establishment of the Old Age Allowance Program. However, these initiatives have significant gaps, ranging from inadequate coverage, insufficient funds and most importantly, a lack of implementation. Many elderly individuals, especially in rural areas, do not receive the benefits due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption. The allowances provided are often too meager to meet the basic needs of the elderly. Policies are often not effectively implemented, leaving many elderly individuals without the support they need.
To address the abuse of elderly individuals, several measures can be taken. Adopting a model law like the Elder Justice Act 2010 of the USA is the best approach to moving forward and demonstrating a true and complete commitment to the senior abuse at hand. Besides this, the government should pass the Protection of Rights of the Elderly Act and create the National Council of Elders to protect the elderly. The council will arrange for amenities to be brought to the current elders to provide protection for those over 65. For everyone's sustainable development, including the elderly, the government should enact the Madrid Plan of Action. This will allow them to live out their later years in peace, dignity, and respect. Implementing and enforcing stricter laws against elder abuse is very important to prevent elderly abuse. Besides, educating the public about the rights and needs of elderly people through media campaigns and community programs is also necessary. Furthermore, establishing community centers and support groups for the elderly also can help to reduce elderly abuse. Finally, expanding and properly administering pension schemes and financial assistance programs is a must.
Traditionally and culturally, the concept of old age home facilities is not welcomed by the masses, but with the changing society and pressing needs the professional old age homes facilities and nursing services are in urgent need. Notwithstanding the numerous social stigmas, ethical quandaries, and feelings of guilt associated with old age homes, Bangladesh must have better retirement homes. Finding people to live in the care center may prove difficult at first due to the social stigma associated with old houses and the fact that our culture has not yet fully adopted the idea. Active online and offline campaigns that emphasise the value of elder care and how care facilities may give them a safe space might lessen this problem. Besides the old age home support system, one might always choose to engage personal carers to care for their elderly parents at home as an alternative to care centers. As a result, services for paid home caregivers may be developed. Even if they are still viewed as popular solutions, professional caregiving services are not yet fully available in our country. These facilities can ensure the safety and security of elderly individuals to a larger extent. Besides, they will offer regular health check-ups and medical care tailored to the needs of the elderly. Along with these, old age home and nursing services will be beneficial for the elderly, as they will be providing companionship and psychological support to combat loneliness and depression.
Bangladesh must go a long way to claim it is an age-friendly country. As most of the features of an age friendliness is absent here. Creating an age-friendly environment in Bangladesh involves comprehensive measures. First, to make it happen, expanding access to healthcare, particularly geriatric care, and training healthcare professionals in elder care is a must. Secondly, developing infrastructure that accommodates the needs of elderly individuals, such as age-friendly public transportation, public toilets and accessible building facilities, can accelerate an age-friendly society. Finally, promoting the inclusion of elderly individuals in community activities to combat isolation and loneliness.
The crisis faced by elderly individuals in Bangladesh requires immediate and concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and the community. By addressing the root causes of abuse, improving policy implementation, and establishing comprehensive support systems, Bangladesh can ensure a dignified and secure life for its elderly population.
The writer is the Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, and Assistant Proctor, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He can be reached at: [email protected].
Messenger/Disha
