PM directs authorities to ensure rights, services for disabled people

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to take effective measures to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure their access to essential services, stressing the need to build a more inclusive and disability-friendly society.

The directives came during a high-level meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on Wednesday (May 13), focusing on policy measures and service expansion for people with special needs.

Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said persons with disabilities must be treated with dignity and their capabilities properly recognised at every level of society. He emphasised the importance of practical and sustainable initiatives to ensure their active participation in all spheres of national life.

During the meeting, state ministers from different ministries highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including limited access to education, healthcare and public facilities. In response, the Prime Minister issued several specific instructions aimed at improving accessibility and inclusion nationwide.

He directed authorities to ensure wheelchair-friendly entryways and toilet facilities in hospitals, restaurants and all public and private establishments under the national building code. He also instructed that disability-friendly features be incorporated into electric buses planned for women commuters.

The Prime Minister further asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to strengthen awareness campaigns and increase media programmes focusing on persons with disabilities. He also ordered a review of the operations of disability-focused educational institutions across the country to ensure proper standards and services.

In addition, he proposed including children with special needs in the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ competition as part of efforts to promote inclusion through sports and cultural engagement.

The meeting also decided to launch a new project titled 'Shishu Sorgo' on a pilot basis in 10 upazilas across 10 districts to provide healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities. Authorities said implementation of the project will begin soon.

Among those present at the meeting were State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Saki, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar, senior secretaries from relevant ministries and Bangladesh Protibondhi Kallyan Samity founder Abdus Sattar Dulal.