The discussion jointly organised by Ministry of Social Welfare, Jatiya Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation, Department of Social Services (DSS) and National Forum of Organisations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD) was held at the auditorium of DSS in the city to mark the 15th International Day of the Disabled Persons.

Presiding over the discussion, MA Hye Howladar, secretary to Ministry of Social Welfare, said equal dignity of the physically and mentally challenged people should be established in the society rather than showing pity for them.

He assured of incorporating the provision of Braille system integrated computer at educational institutions in the interim budget for the education of the visually impaired students.

He emphasised the follow-up activities to check the development of the projects initiated for the disabled persons.

Private organisations should come forward to provide support for such projects since the government resources are limited, he added.

The secretary also assured of incorporating the disability issue in the national information and communication technology (ICT) policy.

He asked for specific proposals from the organisations working with the disabled persons to start the process of including disability issue in the ICT policy.

According to Hafizul Islam Mia, director general of the Department of Social Services, lack of initiatives and awareness, not financial problems, are the main obstacles in the way of development of the disabled persons.

Khandaker Johurul Alam, president of NFOWD, laid emphasis on the political commitment for development of the physically and mentally challenged people.

Among others, AKM Azizul Haque, managing director of Jatiya Protibondhi Foundation, Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury, chairperson, and HM Noman Khan, general secretary of NFOWD, also spoke at the discussion.