|| Zakir Hossain, Pirojpur: With the theme “Ensure Respect, Safety, and Care for Older Persons,” World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed in Pirojpur through a rally, discussion meeting, and prize-giving ceremony.The event was organized on Monday (June 15) at the Sadar Upazila Auditorium by the ISIGOP Project of the Resource Integration Centre (RIC). A colorful rally was brought out on the occasion, which marched through various roads of the town before concluding at the discussion venue.Speaking as the chief guest, Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mamunur Rashid said that ensuring respect, love, and security for elderly people is a shared responsibility of families, society, and the state. He emphasized the need to utilize the experience and wisdom of senior citizens in building a humane and inclusive society.The discussion session was chaired by Faruk Rahman, Regional Coordinator of RIC’s Elderly Welfare Program, while Moinul Ahsan Munna moderated the event.Among the special guests were Nazmun Nahar, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs; Abdul Hai Mallik, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development; agriculturist Md. Firoz Khan; Rahima Begum, Lecturer of Government Sohrawardi College; senior journalist Fosiul Islam Bacchu; women leader Khaleda Akter Hena; and representatives from various professions and social groups.Speakers highlighted that older persons are valuable custodians of society’s experience, knowledge, and values. They stressed the importance of raising public awareness, promoting family values, and strengthening social security measures to prevent neglect and abuse of the elderly.The program called for collective efforts to protect the rights of senior citizens and build a humane, abuse-free society. As part of the observance, prizes were distributed among winners of several awareness-based competitions held at Government Sohrawardi College on June 13. In addition, seven information and awareness booths were set up to promote knowledge about elderly rights, healthcare, social security, and prevention of elder abuse. Through displays, publications, and visual presentations, the stalls delivered awareness messages to visitors.