CA calls for bigger efforts for welfare of the disabled
Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday urged the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and businesspeople to contribute in a bigger way to the welfare of the physically and mentally challenged as part of their social obligation.
He made this call while according a reception to the mentally challenged sportsmen and women for their extraordinary performance in Shanghai Special World Olympic Games 2007at the International Conference Centre (ICC).
Forty-eight mentally challenged sports persons have clinched a total of 71 medals, including 32 gold, 15 silver and 24 bronze medals, brightening the country's image abroad.
Bangladesh cricket team was unbeaten champion in the Twenty20 Cricket competition in Shanghai Olympics.
A total of 10,000 mentally challenged sportsmen and women from 160 countries took part in the Special Olympics in Shanghai, China.
Ashraf-ud-Dowla, founder chairman of Special Olympics Bangladesh, also spoke at the function chaired by Secretary of the CA's office Kazi M Aminul Islam.
The CA distributed crests and certificates among the best seven Special Olympics award winners.
He said the glorious success in the country's sports history brought by the sportsmen and women in the Special Olympics has overwhelmed all.
The CA also appreciated the efforts of the family members of the mentally challenged sportsmen and women as well as their trainers, organisers and organisations concerned in helping them attain the global standard.
Referring to various government steps taken for the welfare of the physically and mentally challenged, Fakhruddin said the government is always ready and will remain so in the future to do whatever necessary for their welfare despite the country's resource constraint.
The CA said he will ask the ministry concerned to provide playgrounds exclusively for the retarded sportsmen and women.
He thanked Grameenphone, the country's leading cellphone operator, for extending financial and other supports to the Bangladesh team that participated in the Shanghai Special Olympic games.
The participants in the Shanghai Special Olympic Games, sport organisers and sport personalities were also present at the function.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments