President, CA for mainstreaming individuals with disabilities in society

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today stressed the need for bringing individuals with disabilities to the mainstream of the society.

They made the observation in separate messages issued today marking the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities and 26th National Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

The president said, "I believe that the successful implementation of the plans will play an important role in mainstreaming the development of people with disabilities through employment and self-reliance."

He also said people with disabilities should be given the opportunity to grow up in a beautiful and normal environment and their mental development should be ensured by participation in various family and social activities. 

"I am calling on the government as well as related private institutions, voluntary organisations, local and foreign organisations and civil society to come forward to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and establish a disability-friendly society," he said.

Prof Yunus in his message said, "Parents are very worried about their children's future. To get rid of this, I am calling on the government as well as private institutions to come forward for the development of people with disabilities." 

"I hope that it will be possible to bring children with autism and NDD into the mainstream of national life through multifaceted activities with the collective efforts of all," he said.

The government is committed to building a non-discriminatory social system, he said.

In the messages, the president and chief adviser welcomed the initiative of the Ministry of Social Welfare to celebrate the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 26th National Day of Persons with Disabilities-2024. 

President Mohammed Shahabuddin said by nature, people with disabilities are an integral part of our society. 

"Sustainable development is not possible excluding this special group from the society. If inclusive programmes are adopted for proper care and development of the people with disabilities, they will also be able to contribute in various fields of the country," the president said. 

He said the interim government has adopted a multifaceted reform plan to create a non-discrimination, corruption-free, justice-based and modern Bangladesh that embraces the dreams of the youth. 

Prof Yunus said the Ministry of Social Welfare is conducting various activities for the welfare and development of citizens with disabilities and those at risk of disabilities. 

"People with disabilities get free services and assistive devices from one stop services in remote areas of the country. Primary and secondary schools for hearing, intellectual and visually impaired schools are in operation. This school has been upgraded to secondary level. The school has residential facilities for all the students," he said.

A multi-purpose complex for people with disabilities has been constructed at Dhaka's Mirpur area to provide residential and training facilities and rehabilitation, he said.

"In this complex, there are facilities for education, treatment and shelter home for children and persons with various disabilities, including NDD," he said.

Bangladesh ratified the UN Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 13 December 2006 to protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. 

Besides, Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, Neuro-Developmental Disability Protection Trust Act, Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council Act and Integrated Special Education Policy related to disability have been formulated. 

This year's theme of the day is "Inclusive sustainable development, people with disabilities will move forward with developed leadership."