Representation in JS a must

Participants at a discussion, “Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all”, organised by Action on Disability and Development (ADD) International and The Daily Star in the capital's The Daily Star Centre yesterday. Photo: Star

Parliamentary representation is a must to establish the due rights of Bangladesh's 15 million physically and mentally challenged people, speakers told a discussion yesterday.
Their representation can be ensured with 10 percent reserved seats both at local government institutions and parliament, said Mahbubur Rahman Bhuyan, project focal, ADD International, in his keynote presentation.
Action on Disability and Development (ADD) International jointly with The Daily Star organised the discussion, “Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all”, in the capital's The Daily Star Centre.
Despite having the same competence as of persons without disabilities, these people are deprived of equal consideration in job opportunities, said Nasima Akhtar, president, Protibondhi Nari Jatiya Parishad.
“Neither are they treated equally in society though the right of a disabled person is a human right,” she said, adding that the representation was a prerequisite to changing society's discriminatory mindset.
The Election Commission must ensure ramps, ground floor polling booths and tactile ballot papers so that these persons can cast votes in the upcoming parliament elections without hindrance, she added.
Noted lawyer Barrister Rafique ul Huq, as chief guest, said the constitution clearly guards against any discrimination against these people.
If implemented, the recently enacted Disabled People's Rights and Protection Act, 2013 can adequately protect their rights, he said.
Pointing out the insensitivity these persons face, Md Liakat Ali, president, Alor Pradeep, said even a government social welfare officer sits on the fifth floor of an office that has no provision to ensure access of physically challenged persons to the officer.
Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan, editor of strategic affairs, The Daily Star, said without a change in the discriminatory mindset of families and the society as a whole, an inclusive society is not possible.
According to World Health Organisation, 10 percent of Bangladesh's total population is disabled. Of them, one third are physically challenged, one third blind and the rest are either deaf or have mental or speech disability.
AHM Nouman, founder, Development Organisation of the Rural Poor; former election commissioner Brig Gen M Sakhawat Hussain, and Prof Syed Anwar Hosain of Dhaka University's history department spoke at the discussion moderated by ADD International Project Manager Noorunnobi.