Dhaka:Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has called for collective efforts to ensure safe mobility, dignity, independence, and equal rights for visually impaired people. He emphasized these points while addressing a program marking "World White Cane Safety Day 2026" at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium on the Dhaka University campus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 107 visually impaired students received white canes at the event. The minister highlighted the significance of the white cane as a critical mobility aid that enables visually impaired individuals to move independently, symbolizing their confidence, self-reliance, and safe mobility.
Anee urged for the provision of equal opportunities for visually impaired individuals in education, employment, healthcare, and social activities as essential to fostering an inclusive society. He stressed the importance of making public spaces, including footpaths, roads, public transport, and government facilities, accessible to people with disabilities, allowing them to navigate safely and without obstacles.
The minister also called on the government, private institutions, and the public to promote positive attitudes towards visually impaired people, ensure their safety, and enhance their participation across all social levels.
The event was attended by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Dr Md Atikul Islam, and Advocate Md Abdul Matin, among others, as special guests. Dhaka University Pro-VC Prof Dr Mohammad Al Mojaddedi Alfasani presided over the program.