The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Secretary of Social Welfare Ministry M A Hai Hawlader on Saturday said the desired goal of the country could not be achieved without involving the disabled population in the mainstream of development.

"The present government has undertaken a number of steps for the development of the disabled people in Bangladesh for integrating themselves into the development process," he said at a function on the occasion of the World White Cane Day-07.

The function, jointly organized by National Disabled Development Foundation and National Disabled Forum, was held in the auditorium of the Social Service Bhaban here.

The secretary said Taka 5 crore has also been earmarked in the current budget as stipend for the education of the blind students of the country.

One third of the disabled population of the country are blind, he said and added that about 30,000 children lose eyesight every year due to malnutrition and liven of vitamin-A.

White Canes have been distributed among 200 blind students of 12 organizations at the function.

With president of the National Disabled Forum Khondaker Zahrul Alam in the chair, the function was also addressed, among others, by Managing Director of the National Disabled Development Foundation AKM Azizul Huq, Director General of Department of Social Services Hafizul Islam Miah and Assistant Secretary General of National Disabled Forum M. Khalalur Rahman.

The speakers said the government and private media could play an important role in creating awareness about the usage of white canes.