Sunamganj elderly care facility lies idle despite Tk7cr investment

An elderly care facility ‘Shanti Nivas’ built with Tk7 crore in Sunamganj to provide shelter, care and safety to homeless and vulnerable elderly people has remained unused since its inauguration in November 2023, with the building now showing signs of deterioration.
Built in the Hasannagar area of Sunamganj town, the three-storey facility can accommodate 25 elderly people and has various facilities, including a healthcare corner, prayer room, recreation area, elevator, bedrooms, visitor room, training corner and exercise facilities. However, the authorities have yet to open the facility, citing the absence of manpower and a lack of approved budget for its operation.
The Department of Social Services took the initiative in 2020 to provide safe accommodation for abandoned, distressed and neglected people aged 60 and above. The project period was later extended until June 2023, while the Public Works Department constructed the building on a five-storey foundation at a cost of around Tk7 crore. The facility was formally inaugurated on November 14, 2023. A separate allocation was also made for furniture and equipment.

After remaining unused for nearly three years, however, the building is now deteriorating. Furniture is being damaged, the water pump is out of order, railings have rusted, algae has accumulated on parts of the structure and the paint has faded.
Local residents said many homeless and vulnerable elderly people across the district were living in difficult conditions and could benefit from the facility if it were opened.
AK Azad Bhuiyan, assistant director of the Sunamganj District Social Services Office, said the facility had not been opened because manpower had not been recruited.
“We have informed the higher authorities, but have yet to receive any response,” he said, adding that the building remained under the department's control.
Sunamganj Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Matiur Rahman said the district administration had learned from the Social Services Office that manpower recruitment and other necessary activities had not yet begun.
“We will make every effort to open the facility,” he said.

Recommended Stories

• Vande Bharat crosses Chenab Bridge at 100 kmph