Dhaka:Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain emphasized the state's responsibility to support all individuals regardless of ethnicity, religion, or color. He highlighted the government's coordinated efforts to improve the welfare and rights of all societal members, including children with special needs, during a programme marking World Cerebral Palsy Day 2026.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Neuro-Developmental Disability Protection Trust at the Bangladesh Social Welfare Council in Eskaton. Dr Zahid underscored the importance of supporting parents and caregivers of children with special needs, noting the government's focus on enhancing education, skills development, and rehabilitation programs to make them more effective and sustainable.
The minister also pointed out the necessity of ensuring accessibility for people with special needs through urban planning measures, such as installing ramps in large buildings and shopping malls, and making public transport more accessible. He urged public transport personnel to treat individuals with special needs with respect and called for greater public empathy.
Dr Zahid further stressed the media's role in raising awareness about social issues, encouraging both mainstream and social media platforms to present these matters positively. At the event, he distributed special grant cheques to 50 children affected by cerebral palsy, and the programme concluded with a cultural performance by children with special needs.
The event was presided over by Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf, with Md Kamruzzaman Dulal, the Executive Secretary of the Social Welfare Council, as a special guest. Shamima Ferdous, Managing Director of the trust, delivered the welcome address. Professor Dr Md Mizanur Rahman and Dr Shaoli Sarkar presented a keynote paper on neuro-developmental disability protection and prevention.