PROTECTION OF ELDERLY PARENTS IN BANGLADESH: AN EVALUATION OF RELEVANT GUIDELINES

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the provisions concerning the protection of elderly parents in the international and national legal framework and also in major religious scriptures in the context of Bangladesh. Based on the secondary sources of information, the study has observed that in spite of ample provisions, parents are not fully protected from abuse. Besides international conventions, the Parents’ Maintenance Act (PMA) 2013 and Islamic principles concerning parents are the key sources providing sufficient guidance for the protection of elderly parents in the Muslim majority Bangladesh. Although there are provisions of punishment for failing to provide parents’ maintenance in the existing law, very little improvement is observed concerning their maintenance. This study suggests the incorporation of the provision to enforce children to return the property of their parent, in the event they failed or declined to take care of their elderly parents. The study has emphasized the need to increase awareness pertaining to maintenance and related laws amongst citizens through mass campaigns. The further initiative should be undertaken to ignite the young generation with religious and moral values. Early implementation of the PMA’s draft rule is suggested for the assurance of parent’s maintenance in Bangladesh.