World Down Syndrome Day observed at DU

The communication disorder department of Dhaka University (DU) in collaboration with Down Syndrome Society of Bangladesh (DSSB), Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital (JBFH), and the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) brought out a colorful procession from TSC on Wednesday to mark World Down Syndrome Day 2018. Later a discussion was held along with a cultural program performed by children with Down syndrome at TSC auditorium. While addressing the discussion as chief guest, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor M Akhtaruzzaman said: “Children with down syndrome must not be neglected. They can contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) if they are included into mainstream society.” The program was presided over by communication disorders department chair Professor Dr Hakim Arif. DU Social Science Faculty Dean Professor Dr Sadeka Halim, JBFH Chair Professor Dr Sarder A Nayeem, and Program Coordinator of AMDA International Japan Kazuko Taketani were present among others. Kazuko Taketani said: “We believe that the day is not far when we will see inclusive communities where children with down syndrome feel a part of their respective societies.We want the world to see the sameness, not the difference of people with down syndrome,” she added. This year’s theme was “what I bring to my community”. Down Syndrome Day has been observed across the world since 2012.