Making sign language compulsory in schools

According to World Health Organization (WHO), five per cent of the population of every country consists of people devoid of the ability to speak and hear. There are only a handful of schools across Bangladesh that caters to the needs of such differently-abled people. Thus, they remain deprived of their right to be an active part of society. Since most of the differently-abled people are unable to receive basic education, they are usually found working in professions that do not involve them in public dealing and where they are not required to speak and listen to. The government should seriously think about this issue and focus on the provision of rights to these people.

The authorities concerned should devise a strategy to put in place a proper education system for this deprived segment of our society and ensure them their fundamental human rights. Basic sign language should be made compulsory in school curricula throughout the country so that everyone is able to communicate with those who face difficulty in communicating with others. This will surely help our country become more sensitive to the needs of these differently-abled people.

Fariha Tabassum Piya,

Student of Department of Management,

University of Dhaka, Dhaka,

[email protected]