Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed the authorities concerned to take effective initiatives to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure necessary services for them.

“The dignity and capabilities of persons with special needs must be properly assessed at every level of society. Practical measures must be taken so that they can actively participate in all social and state activities,” he said.

The premier said this at a meeting at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon, according to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. 

The meeting was organised to determine the necessary steps for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring proper services for them.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, emphasised the importance of building disability-friendly infrastructures and ensuring access to education, healthcare and all kinds of facilities in order to build an inclusive society.

During the meeting, state ministers from different ministries highlighted the challenges and limitations faced by persons with disabilities and inadequate facilities for them. In response, the Prime Minister gave several important directives to ensure their rights.

Tarique Rahman said under the national building code, all government and private establishments, including hospitals and restaurants, must ensure suitable infrastructure and toilet facilities for persons with special needs. 

He also instructed that room entrances should be designed in a way that allows wheelchair users to enter easily.

The Prime Minister also directed that electric buses planned for women’s transportation should include necessary facilities for persons with disabilities. 

In addition, he asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to carry out awareness campaigns and organise various events involving persons with special needs.

Besides, the premier instructed the authorities concerned to review whether disability schools across the country are operating properly. He also directed to include the children with special needs in the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ competition.

The meeting decided to initially launch a project named “Shishu Swarga (Heaven for Children)” at 10 upazilas in 10 districts of the country to ensure healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with special needs. 

It was also announced that the programme would begin soon.

State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar joined the meeting, among others.

Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS) Abdus Sattar Dulal was also present at the meeting.