বাংলাBangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government plans to increase allowances for persons with disabilities to improve their living standards. The proposed increase will depend on the country’s financial capacity and is intended to help beneficiaries live with greater comfort. The government is considering higher disability allowances alongside measures to improve rights, dignity and employment opportunities.
He made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Bangladesh Protibondhi Kallyan Somity at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday evening, October 17. Tarique Rahman said persons with disabilities are an integral part of society and that their rights, dignity and needs must receive proper attention.
The prime minister said the government would consider introducing sign-language services at public institutions and courts. Relevant ministries would be asked to take the necessary steps. Discussions with the Health Ministry would also explore providing sign-language support at hospitals to reduce communication barriers when patients with disabilities seek medical care.
Emphasizing skills development and employment, Tarique Rahman said training opportunities should help persons with disabilities become economically self-reliant. The government will also consider expanding access to information technology training. He directed the social welfare minister to take necessary initiatives in this regard.
The government will also consider legal assistance for women with disabilities, special support for farmers with disabilities and extending the age limit for entry into government jobs. Alongside increasing disability allowances, the prime minister highlighted the importance of improving access to education, healthcare and employment.
To determine the actual number of persons with disabilities, the government plans to seek reliable statistics from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The prime minister also discussed improving public transport accessibility, making pink bus services more suitable for women with disabilities and exploring accessible bus services in Dhaka and other major cities.
He said instructions had been given to ensure that new building designs accommodate the entry and movement of persons with disabilities. The possibility of withholding approval for designs that fail to provide these facilities was also highlighted. The government will discuss proposals to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in educational institutions with the Education Ministry.
On proposals to ensure representation of persons with disabilities in parliament, Tarique Rahman said the issue involves constitutional considerations and would be discussed with party leaders. He also noted that a memorandum of understanding had been signed among the relevant ministries responsible for social welfare, law, and women and children’s affairs to support access to legal assistance.
The prime minister said everyone has the right to live with dignity and respect. He pledged that the government would work to help persons with disabilities become self-reliant and access the support they need. Increasing disability allowances is among the measures being considered to improve their quality of life.
During the meeting, 30 persons with disabilities and representatives of relevant organizations presented their demands and discussed the challenges they face. The session was moderated by Abdus Sattar Dulal, founder and executive director of the Bangladesh Protibondhi Kallyan Somity.
Para-athlete Md. Mohsin presented a cap to the prime minister, who came down from the stage to accept it. Tarique Rahman also pledged to support Mohsin’s team in participating in sporting events abroad. Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A. Z. M. Zahid Hossain, State Minister Farzana Sharmin and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A. B. M. Abdus Sattar also spoke at the event.
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