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Govt working to improve lives of persons with disabilities: Minister
Published : Thursday, 15 October, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Persons with disabilities are assets to society, not burdens, and can be successfully integrated into the mainstream through education, skill development, and rehabilitation, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Thursday (October 15).
He was speaking as the chief guest at a programme held at the Jatiya Pratibandhi Unnayan Foundation premises in Mirpur-14, Dhaka, marking World White Cane Safety Day 2026.
The event, organized by the Jatiya Pratibandhi Unnayan Foundation, included a rally, a discussion session, and the awarding of honors and financial incentives to meritorious visually impaired students.
"It is the state’s responsibility to stand beside marginalized communities, and the present government is working cohesively toward that goal. Children with special needs, including visually impaired individuals, are immensely talented. However, society still lags behind in fulfilling its duties and demonstrating proper respect towards them," the Minister said.
Underlining this year’s White Cane Safety Day theme, "Where vision is limited, potential is limitlessness," he stressed that government efforts alongside a shift in public mindset are crucial. "We must bring this change across all levels of society. Every institution must ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, including ramp facilities for unhindered mobility," he added.
Referring to the government's tenure, Dr Zahid noted, "Our government has been in office for only seven months, and many visible transformations are yet to be fully realized. We have a long way to go, and with public support, meaningful changes across all sectors will be possible."
He emphasized incorporating disability rights into urban and infrastructure planning, urging building developers and mall operators to construct ramps, while calling for accessible public transport. He also urged transport drivers and helpers to be empathetic and sensitive towards passengers with disabilities.
Highlighting the media's role, the Minister called on mainstream media outlets and social media users to foster public awareness and promote positive societal attitudes.
During the event, the Minister distributed financial assistance checks among 110 visually impaired children, followed by a group musical performance by visually impaired students.
Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yousuf presided over the function, with Social Welfare Council Executive Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Doolal attending as the special guest.
Vice President of the Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organisation Md Jahangir Alam presented the keynote paper, while Jatiya Pratibandhi Unnayan Foundation Managing Director Ahmad Kabir delivered the welcome address. Senior officials, representatives of voluntary organizations, visually impaired children, and their guardians were also present.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
