The International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be observed today for ensuring the rights of the physically and mentally challenged people.
This year, the theme for the day is: “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.”
Gazi Mohammad Nurul Kabir, director general of Department of Social Services, said Bangladesh currently has around 1.5 million doctor-certified disabled persons. However, this number was not static, he added.
“The disability detection survey programme is going on and the database of disabled persons is being updated continuously. We hope that the ongoing survey on disabled persons of Bangladesh will be published formally before January 2,” Nurul Kabir said.
The government and different NGOs have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day, with programmes including seminars, discussions, and processions.
Since 1992, the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
