The rally was organised by National Forum of Organisations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD) to mark the International Children's Day 2005 at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad in the city.

Speaking as chief guest at the rally, Social Welfare Minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed said people should not neglect the retarded children as they have already proved their quality through significant achievement in different fields.

"The government is committed to provide equal care and guidance to the disabled like the normal children. It has been working to encompass the retarded children in all development activities," he added.

The minister urged all voluntary organisations to pay more attention to protect the rights of the disabled children.

Senior Vice-president of NFOWD M A Baten said the disabled children are still deprived of their rights in family and society.

Equal rights and opportunities should be given to bring them in the mainstream of life, he added.

A 20-point demand was placed at the rally that included easy access to educational institutions and public transports for retarded children.

Social Welfare Secretary Kazi Monwarul Huq, Joint Secretary Mohammad Abdul Karim, Director General of Social Service Directorate Hafizul Islam Mia, Managing Director of Jatiya Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation M Didarul Anwar, President of NFOWD Khondker Zahurul Alam and Programme Manager of Save the Children Sweeden-Denmark Kristine Zuthen Jeppssen were present at the rally.

Thousands of children, parents and development activists took part in the rally.