To avoid hazards in the polling centres, they called for separate queues for physically challenged people and provision for special ballots so that the visually impaired persons can cast their vote.

The discussion titled 'UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability' was organised by Action for Disability and Development (ADD) to mark the International Human Rights Day at the Social Service department auditorium in the city.

"Keeping 144 million physically challenged people out of the election process, we cannot expect to hold a free and fair election," said ADD Country Representative Mosharraf Hossain.

Speaking as chief guest Adviser to caretaker government Yasmeen Murshed said the government is committed to the issues of physically challenged people.

The caretaker government would take such steps as will enable the coming government to ratify the international convention on their rights, she said.

While presenting his concept paper, Mosharraf said the people with disability are deprived of getting mainstream education and urged the government to make arrangement for 'inclusive education' system for them.

Citing Indian policy for the physically challenged people, he also spoke for reserving five percent quota for physically challenged people in civil service and 10 percent for other jobs.

Prof Mizanur Rahman of Dhaka University, Director General of social services department Hafizul Islam, General Secretary of National Grassroots Disability Sangstha Habibur Rahman and General Secretary of National Council for Disabled Women Moyna also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, hundreds of physically challenged people formed a human chain at Manik Mia Avenue and took part in a procession.