Only 4 pc of children with disability go to school

They said although there are many laws to protect the rights of the people with disability, their implementation is hardly seen.

The roundtable titled 'Rights of street and working children with disabilities: Present context' was organised by the Centre for Services and Information on Disability (CSID) at Bangladesh Institute of International Strategies Studies (BIISS) auditorium in the city.

Funded by Save the Children Sweden-Denmark, the roundtable was participated by human rights activists especially people working with the physically or mentally impaired children.

With a view to make aware people and sensitising the disability issues for undertaking specific interventions, the speakers shared their working experience and stressed different needs to be met for the retarded people especially the children.

Terming the word 'Disable' as odious Prof Zerina Rahman as the core discussant in the meeting said people should change their attitude towards physically or mentally impaired children.

"The government has taken various measures so that the physically and mentally challenged people can enjoy their rights, but these are not implemented properly," she said.

Prof Zerina said local government also can play an important role in ensuring the rights of the challenged people.

At the same time special consideration should be given for the people with disabilities in public places, she added.

Rabiul Hasan of CSID presented a paper showing the condition of challenged children in the society, hindrances to their education, and lack of entertainment, health and above all employment opportunities.

CSID Founder Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury presided over the roundtable where Chairman of Privatisation Commission Enam Ahmed Chowdhury spoke as chief guest.

Former Chairman of BTRC Syed Marghub Murshed and Programme Manager of Save the Children Sweden-Denmark Kristine Zenthen Jeppesen spoke as special guests.