The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rajshahi

Speakers at a meeting here yesterday underlined the need for establishing a sound and friendly atmosphere for the disabled to ensure a dignified position for them in society.

"The disadvantaged community is an integral part of our society and we must give them an opportunity for enjoying all basic rights like other privileged sections in the country," they said.

They were addressing the inaugural session of the annual council session of National Grassroots Disabled Organization (NGDO) here.

In collaboration with the Action on Disability and Development (ADD), NGDO arranged the daylong meeting to discuss the ways for rehabilitating disabled persons in society. Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Asit Kumar Mukutmoni addressed the opening session as the chief guest with NGDO President Akhter Hossain in the chair.

ADD Country Representative ASM Mosharraf Hossain as the main discussant described the activities of ADD and NGDO.

Referring to the poverty alleviation through involving disabled persons in various income-generating activities, the speakers said the disadvantaged group must be brought under the existing vocational training programmes to enable them live a decent life like others.

They said the disabled children must be given equal opportunity in institutional education like the privileged ones, so that they could grow as worthy citizens and contribute their best for the country's further development in various fields.

The disadvantaged children need cooperation, not mercy, they said, adding that due attention should be given on mainstreaming them in the society.

The speakers referred to the government various effective steps for the welfare of disabled persons in the country and said all concerned in different spheres of the administration should make the best use of all facilities in the greater interest of these people.

In this regard, they urged the rich people as well as the philanthropists to come forward with their helping hands to help the government properly establish the disadvantaged people in society.

Director of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Khandaker Hafizur Rahman, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Rajshahi University Dr. Tabibur Rahman Sheikh, NGDO Secretary Habibur Rahman and President of Disabled Women Parishad Umme Kulsum Ranjona also spoke on the occasion, among others.

A total of 36 councilors from 24 districts attended the council meeting.