'Bring people with disability to mainstream of dev'

They also suggested inclusion of nutrition-related issues in textbook curriculums at primary and secondary levels to create awareness about malnutrition leading to disability.

The consultation meting was organised by National Forum of Organisations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD) in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh and Manusher Jonno at LGED Bhaban in Agargaon.

The meeting was held in advance of the regional mid-point review of the implementation of the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (BMF) at a high-level intergovernmental meeting to be held in 2007.

"To achieve the goal of the BMF, seven priority areas, 18 targets and 15 strategies have been identified. Bangladesh has been actively involved in the initiation process and the mid-point review of the BMF," said Theima Kay, director of emerging social issues division of Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap) while speaking at the opening session of the workshop.

"The distress condition of the people with disability will not change until they are brought to the mainstream of the development," said Social Welfare Minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed while speaking as chief guest.

He said the government has decided to reserve 10 percent government jobs and two seats in every passenger bus for people with disability.

Khandaker Zahurul Alam, president of NFOWD, said many factors including violence, road accidents, natural calamities and malnutrition are pushing up the number of handicapped people in the country.

He said if given proper social assistance, people with disability could contribute significantly to the wellbeing of the country.

AHM Noman Khan, secretary general of NFOWD, said women with disability are subjected to more discrimination than men.

"Challenged women are more neglected in society and family than their male counterparts and rural women with disability are passing their lives in miserable conditions," he added.

The participants said country's development is not possible ignoring a huge number of challenged people.

They estimated that 1.40 crore or 10 percent of the population are challenged and among them 70 lakh are women.

The speakers laid emphasis on community-based approach for preventing the causes of disability, reaching out to persons with disabilities in rural areas and raising awareness and advocacy for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all social, cultural and religious activities.

They also stressed the need for disseminating the knowledge of nutrition as many people have become disabled due to malnutrition.

Representatives from different ministries and directorates and people with disabilities also took part in the workshop.