Speakers at a post-rally discussion said the autistic and mentally retarded children could flourish their latent talents if they were properly cared, nurtured and provided with necessary opportunities.
They put special emphasis on creating adequate awareness among the pregnant mothers and parents to substantially reduce the risk of autism and physical disability of newborn babies for building a healthier society.
They were addressing the discussion jointly organised by the district administration and Department of Social Service (DSS) at PTI conference hall in Rajshahi yesterday in observance of the 9th World Autism Awareness Day-2016. Various volunteer organizations including Foundation for Women and Child Assistance (FWCA) supported the programme.
Earlier, a huge rally, participated by autistic and disabled people including children, government and non-government officials, socio- cultural and voluntary organisations, professionals, human rights and women activists, was brought out in the city.
Akhter Jahan, MP, addressed the discussion as the chief guest while Chief Patron Mentor of FWCA Shaheen Akter Rainy and former chairman of Rajshahi Education Board Prof Shirin Sufiya Khanom spoke as special guests with Deputy Commissioner Kazi Ashraf Uddin in the chair.
The speakers narrated the present situation on autism and disability in the country as well as in the district, country and the globe as a whole and cited various government steps for ensuring welfare of the autistic and physically challenged children.
Lawmaker Akhter Jahan said the autistic, mentally retarded and disabled children and people deserve their proper constitutional rights, but not mercy, and they must get all privileges and human rights, as they are the integral parts of the whole society.
She thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Sayma Wazed
Putul for taking various steps in establishing rights of the autistic
children and disabled people to ensure their education, jobs, health care and
other facilities.
She called upon the parents for paying due attention in flourishing
inherent talents of the autistic children through proper nurturing and
providing them opportunities for their normal mental and physical growths and
education in congenial atmosphere.
