The 16th World Autism Awareness Day with the theme "Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All" will be observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere across the globe on Sunday.
In honor of persons with autism, blue lighting will be arranged at the Ministry of Social Welfare and its departments and agencies, various institutions, and important government buildings, said a press release.
Blue lighting will also be arranged in the Bangladeshi embassies and missions abroad while discussion will be organized in each district, according to the social welfare release.
To mark the day, the Ministry of Social Welfare will organize a discussion and cultural program at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) on Sunday.
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from autism.
This year, the day will be celebrated across the country through colorful programs and special supplements will be published in daily newspapers.
Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed will address the function as chief guest while state minister for social welfare Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru, MP, and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Social Welfare Rashed Khan Menon will address as a special guest on the occasion with Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare Jahangir Alam in the chair.
In the program, the ministry will confer special honour to ten individuals and three organizations in five categories for their special contributions to autism this year.
In category A, Abdullah Al Nafi Antar, RTV's brand ambassador Fabliha Azim and Md Taif Mustafa will get the special honor for being successful individuals with autism traits.
In category B, Trinomul Protibondhi Purnobashan Sangstha (TPPS), Naogaon Ambati Budddhi Protibondhi O Autistic Biddaloy and Aditmari Budddhi Protibondhi O Autistic Biddaloy will get the honour for working tirelessly for the development and protection of the Autistic community.
In category C, Md Ziaul Haque, Dr Md Zakir Hossain and Professor Dr Shaheen Akhtar are getting honoured for working tirelessly for the development and protection of the population with autism.
In category D, Nusrat Sharmin and Dr Nachima Islam Chowdhury Brishty will receive the honor of being successful parents with autism traits.
In category E, two caregivers --Sonia Akhter and Monika Maria Rosario -- will receive the honors.