GAIBANDHA: Speakers at a function yesterday said the persons with disabilities would have to be developed as worthy citizens of the country through providing them with all facilities including healthcare, education and employment, reports BSS.“As the people including the children with disabilities are inseparable part of the society and the human diversity so, it is imperative to integrate people with disabilities to ensure their empowerment”, they said.They made the comments while addressing a post rally discussion organised by district administration and department of social services at the auditorium of Zila Parishad of the town marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.Deputy Commissioner (DC) M Abdus Samad addressed the meeting as the chief guest and additional DC (General) M Shamsul Azam was present as the special guest.
With deputy director of the department SMS Akram Hossain in the chair, the function was also addressed, among others, by Disable Aaffairs Officer of Integrated Disability Service Centre Mehedi Hasan, Head Teacher of Gaibandha Intellectually Disable and Autistic School M Idris Ali Sarker and Journalist Sarker M Shahiduzzaman.
DC M Abdus Samad said the present government implemented various programmes since 2009 to link the disable persons with disabilities with the mainstream of the society for overall development of the nation.
The DC also emphasised on ensuring congenial atmosphere to make an end to discrimination against the persons with disabilities to enable them leading a decent life.
In Faridpur, the day was observed with a call for removing all barriers of the disabled and working for their welfare.
Social Services Department in association with non-government organisations observed the day with the slogan ‘Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want’ through holding a rally and meeting.
Speakers at the discussion stressed the need for changing the mind-set towards the physically challenged people and helping them to contribute to the national development.
DD of Social Services ASM Ali Ahsan chaired the meeting while DC Umme Salma Tanzia was present as the chief guest.
DC in her speech said the present government is spending huge amount of money for the challenged and neglected people of society that projects the outlook of this people-friendly administration.
She called upon the private organisations and corporate houses to allocate special job quotas for the people with disabilities. The DC said her office would look into problems of the disabled humanely.
The meeting was told that 5880 disabled people are getting allowance from the government at the rate of Taka 500 each.
In his speech, Faridpur Sadar Upazila Chairman Mohtesham Hossain Babor assured the organisers and NGOs that he will do his best for the welfare of the persons with disabilities.
ADC (Rev) Dr Kamruzzaman Selim participated in the discussion as a special guest.
At the end of the meeting, specially manufactured chairs were distributed among the people with disability.