Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the authorities concerned to take effective measures to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure proper services for them across the country.
He made the directives at a meeting held at his Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat to discuss necessary steps for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and improving support services according to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing.
The Prime Minister said the dignity and capabilities of persons with special needs must be properly recognised at every level of society and practical steps should be taken to ensure their active participation in all social and state activities.
Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of building disability-friendly infrastructure and ensuring access to education healthcare and other essential services to create an inclusive society.
During the meeting state ministers from different ministries highlighted the challenges limitations and inadequate facilities faced by persons with disabilities. In response the Prime Minister issued several directives to improve their rights and living conditions.
He said all government and private establishments including hospitals and restaurants must ensure suitable infrastructure and toilet facilities for persons with special needs under the national building code.
The Prime Minister also instructed authorities to design entrances in a way that allows easy access for wheelchair users.
He further directed that electric buses planned for women’s transportation should include facilities for persons with disabilities.
Tarique Rahman also asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to launch awareness campaigns and organise programmes involving persons with special needs.
In addition he instructed the authorities concerned to review whether disability schools across the country are functioning properly and directed that children with special needs be included in the “Notun Kuri Sports” competition.
The meeting also decided to initially launch a project called “Shishu Swarga” in 10 upazilas across 10 districts to provide healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with special needs.
Officials said the programme will begin soon.
Among those present at the meeting were State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.
Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity representative Abdus Sattar Dulal also attended the meeting.
