The 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 27th National Disability Day 2025 were observed in Manikganj on Wednesday with a rally, discussion session, and cultural program.
The event was jointly organized by the Manikganj District Administration, the District Social Services Office, and the Manikganj Disabled People’s Organization to Development (MDPOD).
More than 300 persons with disabilities and their family members, along with civil society members, government officials, and journalists, took part in the program.
Addressing the event, Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana said the journey of change must begin at the family level. She said meaningful societal and state-level progress can only be achieved when awareness starts within families. She stressed the need to identify the abilities of persons with disabilities, support them to overcome limitations, and ensure dignified and respectful service delivery.
District Social Services Office Deputy Director Mohammad Abdul Baten said his office is working continuously to ensure that all services under the Social Services Department reach persons with disabilities at the grassroots. He added that the views of OPDs, including MDPOD, are given due importance in planning and implementing services.
MDPOD Executive Director Entaj Ali said the true significance of the day will be realized only when existing disability laws are effectively implemented. Strengthening the capacity of OPDs is essential to ensuring proper enforcement of the law, he added.
Speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities, MDPOD Chairperson Kabery Sultana said:
“Believing in inclusion and the principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ does not mean that persons with disabilities must continue chasing behind others. Rather, we must understand where to pause and where policy changes are needed so that persons with disabilities can move forward at the same pace as everyone else.”
A keynote paper was also presented by the Disability Affairs Officer of the Disability Support and Service Center, Manikganj.
Among others, Superintendent of Police representative Mohammad Zakir Hossain, CRP Principal Mohammad Zakir Hossain, and Advocate Masudul Islam were present.
The MDPOD initiative was supported by Sightsavers Bangladesh under the Equal Bangladesh Campaign.
