Every child is valuable 

Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice-President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, has stressed the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for children with special needs, saying every child has the potential to contribute to the country if provided with proper education, care and training.

She made the remarks during a visit to Proyash Specialised Educational Institution, which operates under the patronage of the Bangladesh Army, at Dhaka Cantonment on Monday.

She was welcomed by Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, patron of Proyash and Sena Paribar Kallyan Samity, and Shirin Sultana, assistant patron of Dhaka Proyash. Students greeted her with flowers. Ishrat Shams Moly, wife of the Defence Adviser, attended the programme as a special guest, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the visit, Dr Zubaida was briefed on Proyash’s nationwide programmes in specialised education, healthcare, rehabilitation and skills development for children and adolescents with special needs.

She toured various facilities, observed the institution’s activities and expressed appreciation for the students’ progress and creativity.

“Every child is valuable to the country. With proper education, care and training, their hidden talents and potential can be nurtured,” she said.

She also praised Proyash for helping children with special needs become self-reliant, integrate into mainstream society and access employment opportunities through skills-based training.

Highlighting the students’ achievements in the Special Olympics, information technology and creative activities, she said their accomplishments had brought pride to the country.

Congratulating the students, parents, teachers and staff, Dr Zubaida called for collective efforts to ensure that no child is deprived of opportunities to develop their potential.

She thanked Proyash’s patrons, governing board, principal, teachers and staff for their contributions and wished the institution continued success.