Barishal’s Tk 10 Crore ‘Shanti Nibash’ Set to Open for the Elderly

The long wait for the opening of Shanti Nibash, a government-funded residential facility for elderly people in Barishal, is expected to end soon, nearly five years after its construction.

The Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Public Administration have given final approval to the staffing proposal for the facilities, built under a Department of Social Services project. However, operational funding remains a concern as the eight homes, constructed at a cost of nearly Tk 100 crore across the country’s eight divisional headquarters, have yet to be fully transferred to the revenue budget.

According to responsible sources at the Department of Social Services, accommodation for disadvantaged elderly people could become available at the facilities between January and March, provided everything proceeds as planned.

However, prolonged disuse has damaged parts of the buildings and other infrastructure. Construction experts warn that opening the facilities without repairs could create further problems. Neither the Public Works Department nor the Department of Social Services can undertake the necessary repairs and rehabilitation because no funds have been allocated for the purpose. Concerned quarters have called for funding to repair and renovate the buildings before they open.

The Public Works Department completed construction of the eight facilities using government funds. Each building has three floors built on a five-storey foundation and can accommodate 25 disadvantaged elderly residents. The facilities are designed to provide accommodation, three meals a day and regular healthcare. Prayer rooms and recreational facilities have also been included to help residents spend their later years in greater comfort and better health.

The Department of Social Services says many elderly parents face neglect in old age, with some treated as a burden by their children. Others have no children or family members to support them. Some parents also become destitute after selling their assets to finance their children’s education, only to receive little or no support once their children become financially established. In the river-dependent southern region, river erosion has also left many elderly people homeless.

Although the Shanti Nibash homes were built to support such vulnerable people, they remained unused for nearly five years.

The issue gained attention after the current government took office, prompting action through the relevant ministries. Following the approval of the staffing proposal, a government order has also been issued.

Initially, each facility will accommodate 25 male residents and provide them with safe housing, medical care and food. Each home has received approval for 10 staff members, including a deputy superintendent.

A deputy director of the Department of Social Services said final approval had been secured for staffing at all eight facilities, including the one in Barishal, and recruitment would begin as soon as possible.

The official acknowledged that the lack of transfer to the revenue budget had created some complications in meeting operating costs. The department is working to resolve the issue and hopes to open the Barishal facility to residents within the current fiscal year.