Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called on people to be more sympathetic to those with disabilities, in a speech to mark International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).
“It is the responsibility of the state to take care of the guardian-less physically-challenged children. So, we have a plan to set up such organisations which will take responsibilities of the guardian-less disabled children for life as guardians,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina asked teachers and students to be more careful about the physically challenged children so they do not become victims of negligence in any way.
“You will have to stand beside the children with disabilities like friends,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing a discussion and cultural function as the chief guest at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the morning.
The Social Welfare Ministry arranged the discussion and cultural function on the occasion of the 22nd IDPwD and the 15th National Disabled Day, held under the theme this year of “Break barriers and open doors for an inclusive society and development for all.”
Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith was present at the function as the special guest with State Minister for Social Welfare Advocate Promod Mankin in the chair.
The premier said the persons with disabilities were the citizens of this country and they are an integral part of the society. “So, the national development is not possible by excluding them,” she said.
She said as a democratic country, Bangladesh has been working to remain committed to all priority and development programmes of the United Nations.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being observed in Bangladesh every year by responding to the call of the UN.
“This day has special significance to me as I wait for the day to meet with the disabled persons. Despite my busy schedule in the last five years, I joined your programme twice in a year,” she said.
The prime minister said the negative outlook of the society towards them is a big barrier which will have to be removed with the participation of all disabled people.
To ensure participation of the disabled persons in the mainstream, Sheikh Hasina said the government incorporated their activities in education, employment, communication, disaster and the Information and Technology Policy.