Mirpur:Dhaka Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain announced that the government is actively working to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, viewing them as valuable social assets. This statement came during an event commemorating World White Cane Safety Day in Mirpur.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized the state's responsibility to support marginalized communities, noting the government's coordinated efforts in this area. He advocated for increased social awareness to view people with disabilities as assets rather than burdens, highlighting the need for a societal change in mindset.
The event, organized by the National Foundation for the Development of Disabled Persons (NFDDP), featured a street march by individuals carrying white canes and an awards ceremony for meritorious visually impaired individuals. Dr. Zahid, who has a background in medicine, pointed out that individuals with disabilities, including visually impaired children, often possess exceptional intellect.
The theme for this year's World White Cane Safety Day was "Where vision is limited, possibilities are limitless," which the minister praised as highly fitting. He reiterated the government's commitment to advancing education, skills development, and rehabilitation for children with special needs to a sustainable and visible level.
Dr. Zahid stressed the importance of infrastructure development, particularly in urban areas, to accommodate the needs of physically challenged individuals. He emphasized the necessity of including ramps in large buildings and shopping malls and ensuring additional facilities for their accessibility in public transport.
He urged public transport drivers and assistants to be considerate and called on the general public to show empathy and support toward people with disabilities. The event concluded with the distribution of special grant checks to 110 visually impaired children, followed by a musical performance by the children that captivated the audience.
Social Welfare Ministry's Secretary Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf presided over the event, with Social Welfare Council Executive Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Dulal as a special guest, and Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organization Vice President Md. Jahangir Alam presenting the keynote paper.