'Uphold HR of indigenous people with disability'

They said although there is no legal bar, physically challenged indigenous people are not given employment at the decision-making level of the government.

The workshop titled 'Marginalised indigenous women and children' was organised by Action on Disability and Development (ADD) to promote human rights of the disabled people at Biam auditorium in the city.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session, Khan Mohammad Ibrahim Hossain, secretary to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs, said the persons with disability could be turned into manpower if they are properly trained.

Presiding over the workshop, Mosharraf Hossain, country representative of ADD, said disability is a social problem but it has to be addressed politically to overcome their difficulties.

The speakers said participation in the administration is the civil and political rights of indigenous disabled people.

They asked for inclusion of eligible indigenous disabled people in the development committee of hill tracts to address their problems.

The speakers also called for special measures for indigenous disabled women and children who are the most vulnerable and underprivileged section of the society.

Executive Director of Shade Philip Gaine, indigenous disabled leader Anil Hemron and ADD Advocacy Officer Adan Islam also spoke on the occasion.

Over 80 indigenous disabled from both plain and hilly areas including Rangamati and Bandarban took part in the discussion after the inaugural session of the workshop.