President for concerted efforts to establish rights of the disabled

President Md Abdul Hamid underscored Wednesday the need for concerted efforts to establish rights and dignity of the people with disabilities, reports UNB.
"Persons with disabilities are our close ones. They're not responsible for their predicament… it's not compassion; rather, they want their rights and dignity. We've to establish their rights and dignity through concerted efforts," the President made the observations while addressing a programme marking the 23rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 16th National Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
President Abdul Hamid said scopes would have to be created for the persons with disabilities to bring them in the mainstream of the society through education and training apart from love.
"For this reason, the disabled child and his/her parents would have to come forward. We've to keep in mind that firm determination, courage and perseverance are needed to win over the disability," he added.
The President also emphasised on both private and public initiatives to build the persons with disabilities as efficient and self-reliant persons.
"The theme of the day is 'Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology'. I believe, if we can enrich the persons with disabilities with the knowledge of information technology, they too will be able to contribute more to the national development," he said.  Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali, State Minister Promode Mankin, Social Welfare secretary Nasima Begum, president of Jatiya Protibondhi Forum Saidul Haque and managing director of Jatiya Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation Nurul Kabir also spoke on the occasion.