Law to protect challenged people soon: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government will soon enact a law to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the country and provide them with adequate facilities for their safety.
"I hope, the draft bill will come to the cabinet for its approval soon," she said while addressing the inaugural function of the 21st International Day of Persons with Disability and the National Day of Persons with Disability at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
She underscored the need for changing “negative attitude of the society†towards the persons with disabilities and protecting their rights and dignity through removing various social barriers.
Terming the society's outlook to the persons with disabilities a big obstacle towards their welfare, she said such attitude, disparity and negligence from the beginning of their life is a painful experience for almost all of them.
Hasina urged the affluent sections of the society to help the persons with disabilities for their rehabilitation.
She said initiatives have been taken so that the children with disabilities could be enrolled in general schools, which will help the normal children to know about their less fortunate school mates and create in them a sense of tolerance and social responsibility.
Hasina said safety measures have been taken on a priority basis for the female, child and elderly persons with disabilities.
She also mentioned that her daughter Saima Hossain Putul, who is an autism expert and psychologist, has been working as the chairperson of the national advisory committee of “Global Autism Public Health Initiative in Bangladesh†to raise awareness about autism in the country.
Later, the prime minister distributed sewing machines, wheelchairs and artificial limbs among a number of persons with disabilities. She also witnessed a colourful cultural programme presented by the children with disabilities.
The social welfare ministry organised the programme with its minister Enamul Hoque Mostafa Shahid was in the chair.
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