Hatiya (Noakhali) Correspondent 
"One day you built the world, today I will build my dreams and carefully keep them in your care" - with this theme in mind, International Day of Older Persons was celebrated in a festive atmosphere in Hatiya, Noakhali.

On Tuesday morning, a colorful rally and discussion meeting was organized by the Bangladesh Veteran Benevolent Association, Hatia Upazila branch.

The rally started from the premises of the Upazila Muktijoddha Bhaban, circled the main roads of the city, and met for a discussion meeting in the auditorium of the same building.

The discussion meeting was presided over by Principal Enamul Haque, President of Hatia Upazila Branch of Bangladesh Veterans Benevolent Association.

Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Alauddin was the chief guest. The program was moderated by the organization's organizing secretary AKM Mansurul Haque.

Upazila Social Service Officer Kazi Imran Hossain, Muktijoddha Sangsad convener Khondaker Abul Kalam, former commander Kazi Aurangzeb, the organization's general secretary Muktijoddha Meraj Uddin, ATM Rafiqul Islam and Karimul Mostafa Gazi, among others, spoke at the meeting.

The speakers said that the elderly are the bearers of society's knowledge, experience and tradition - it is the moral responsibility of the state and society to ensure their dignity and safety. The government has introduced allowances, healthcare and social security programs for the elderly; however, they demanded further expansion of these initiatives.

Officials from various government departments, teachers, social workers, journalists, senior citizens, and representatives of voluntary organizations were present at the event.