Dhaka: Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today emphasized that persons with disabilities can be transformed into skilled human resources through proper dignity, services, care, education, and training, as they are an integral part of society and the state.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Murshid highlighted the urgency of creating an inclusive ecosystem to incorporate persons with disabilities into the mainstream of the Sustainable Development Goals, both in Bangladesh and globally. She urged everyone to actively participate in safeguarding the rights, safety, and development of individuals with disabilities.
The adviser expressed these views during a discussion, reception, and cultural programme held in commemoration of the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 27th National Disability Day 2025 at the National Disability Development Foundation in Mirpur. She pointed out that the day is being observed in Bangladesh in alignment with global celebrations, with the theme “Fostering disability inclusive for advancing social progress,” which she described as timely and relevant.
Murshid further stated that sustainable development and social progress are achievable only when all societal segments are included in the country’s development process. She asserted that disability is not a curse and that with appropriate care, education, training, and facilities, persons with disabilities can become skilled manpower. The Department of Social Services is conducting a nationwide disability detection survey transparently and has identified 38,35,000 persons with disabilities under 12 categories, adding them to a central database. The distribution of the ‘Subarna Nagorik’ card is currently underway to support these individuals.
The department’s initiatives also include providing a monthly allowance to 34,51,000 persons with disabilities in the current fiscal year. Furthermore, education stipends have been allocated for 81,000 students with intellectual disabilities to help reduce dropout rates.
The event was attended by Director General of the Department of Social Services M Saidur Rahman Khan as a special guest, and Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf presided over the proceedings.