Acting chairman of BNP Tarique Rahman shared his view, and plans for the betterment of the differently abled people and said their obstacles are impediment for us too.
He made this comment Saturday afternoon while addressing a view-exchange program with differently abled citizens that held at LGRD auditorium in the capital’s Agargaon.
Addressing the differently abled people, he said: “Your obstacles are obstacles for all of us. I believe that we can never advance by leaving you behind, and we don’t want either.”
Tarique Rahman expressed their firm commitment of building a dignified, proficient, and prosperous society for people with special needs. He said: “BNP and I realize that your problems and hardships are real and deep. You are not alone in this reality; we are always by your side and will always be.”
He furthered that the democratic Bangladesh will be fair, inclusive, livable and enjoyable for all.
Mentioning some NGOs initiative for the differently abled people, Mr Rahman said: “This is not enough for them as they struggle to get a job after the trainings.”
Then he shared his plans to curve the situation, saying: “We will take initiatives so that the country’s industries are encouraged to hire a certain percentage of physically challenged people.”
He also plans for giving some tax benefits or compliance certificates to businesses that hire the challenged people.
He said if BNP forms government, they have plan for establishing specialized schools for students with special needs at the district level, where efforts will be made to include modern methods of inclusive education including sign language, Braille.
In addition, he said that they will consider creating opportunities for entry into the workforce through technical and vocational education and providing scholarships and necessary educational materials for disabled students.
Mr Rahman said: “We will try to set specialized healthcare units in district hospitals where modern facilities for physical therapy, mental healthcare, and necessary medical treatment will be available.”
He shared his plan to launch mobile health clinics for people with special needs in remote areas.
There will be plans to set up manufacture units for associated devices and exempt tax on imports of those devices. Efforts will be made to formulate special intensive care programs for the severely disabled.
Mr Rahman said: “Our commitment is to take steps to improve the quality of life of people with special needs, which will be based on ensuring economic self-reliance, social competence and human dignity.”
“We have in mind the establishment of an independent directorate, which will coordinate the activities with various ministries or departments and execute plans for disabled brothers and sisters,” he continued.
Addressing the disabled, he further said: “I believe that none of you are disabled, but you are especially capable citizens. Each of you has infinite potential.”
Various organizations and individuals of the disabled spoke at this exchange of views. However, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present as a special guest.
Translated by Afsar Munna
