Measures to protect differently-abled lawyers’ rights sought
Blasbd demanded training for those responsible for implementing the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013
Leaders of Blind Law-Graduates and Advocates Society Bangladesh (Blasbd) have urged the authorities concerned to take necessary steps – including setting up the Department of Disability and Development – for the proper implementation of the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013.
They demanded this during the 4th founding anniversary ceremony of the organisation.
Blasbd, an organisation of visually impaired lawyers and law graduates, also demanded training for those responsible for implementing the Act. It further sought that awareness be raised about the Act among all concerned, including among people with disabilities, said a media statement issued on Wednesday.
Visually impaired lawyers face various obstacles, including a negative attitude towards them by people, leaders of Blasbd said. The leaders called for undertaking awareness activities about the rights of differently-abled lawyers.
Keeping the provision of amanuensis for the disabled during their academic examinations and written recruitment tests is needed, they said.
They urged the authorities concerned to take steps to give allowances to visually impaired apprentices and new lawyers to help sustain themselves in the legal profession.
On the occasion, a virtual conference was held at the conference hall of Visually Impaired People's Society (VIPS) at Adabor in the capital.
Nasima Begum, chairman of National Human Rights Commission, attended the event as its chief guest, while AHM Noman Khan, executive director of Centre for Disability in Development (CDD), was present as special guest.
Mohiuddin Ahmed, joint secretary of Law Ministry; Advocate AM Moslehuddin Ahmed, general secretary of Blasbd; Mohammad Ershad Ali, social service officer of Lalmonirhat district; among others, attended the event.
Md Musherraf Hossain Mazumder, a Supreme Court lawyer and president of Blasbd presided over the programme.
Blind lawyers and law graduates, and people from other professions also attended the programme.