Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all to not neglect those who are physically and mentally-challenged, as they could show their mettle if given scope.
“This is my fervent call to teachers of all educational institutions, to guardians, as well as people from all strata to not neglect the disabled because if scope is created for them, they could show their mettle and worthiness,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina made these statements while inaugurating the five-nation multinational ICRC T20 International Cricket Tournament, to be held from September 2-10, for the physically-challenged at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium yesterday morning.
The tournament kicked off in the city seeking to promote social inclusion of those who are physically-challenged and encourage more cricketing nations to have their own cricket programmes for such people.
The ICRC in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Bangladesh Cricket Board and Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan-BKSP is hosting the nine-day event.
Hasina said her government has been trying hard to ensure their welfare, as they are being given training and education. An academy is also being set up for them.
The prime minister urged those who are associated with sports to create more scope for the physically-challenged in games and sports.
She said it is her government’s decision to find the dormant talents of the physically and mentally-challenged and thus ensure their due place in society.
The prime minister said the nation’s physically-challenged players have already clinched 70 medals, including 21 gold, in the Special Olympics. The blind cricketers of Bangladesh have also been successful, she added.
Stating that disability is not a disease, rather it is a kind of challenge, the prime minister said the players with physical disabilities conquered the challenges facing them, and set the example that disability could never stand in the way of pursuing a dream.
Sheikh Hasina expressed the hope that this tournament would go a long way in creating awareness of the capabilities of physically-challenged people. It will also help understand collective responsibility towards them, she said.
Extending her heartfelt thanks to ICRC for organising the competition, the prime minister assured her government would provide it with continuous support for similar initiatives in the future.
Apart from host Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan are participating in the tournament.
A total of 26 physically-challenged persons were selected out of 149 participants from across the country and were given training under eminent BCB coaches.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Sikder, Deputy Minister Arif Khan Joy, and BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon also spoke on the occasion. Head of Delegation of the ICRC Christine Cipolla delivered the welcome address.