KHULNA, Dec 03, 2003 (BSS): The 31st International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 25th National Disabled Day-2023 was observed here today in a befitting manner through various programmes.

The theme of the day is 'Protibondhi Bektider Sathe Sommilito Ongshogrohon, Nishchit Korbey SDG Orjon'.

A discussion was organised jointly by the District Administration and the Department of Social Welfare, Disable Service and Aid Center marking the day. 

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Mir Alif Reza chaired the discussion while Director of the divisional social welfare office Anindita Roy addressed it as chief guest.

The chief guest said physically challenged persons will be made resources as well to contribute to national development by imparting proper nursing, education and training.

Additional Director of the divisional social welfare department Samir Mallick, Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic) S M Al Beruni and freedom fighters Md Alamgir Kabir and Sarder Mahbubur Rahman, addressed as special guests. Deputy Director of the district Social Welfare Department Khan Motahar Hossain delivered the welcome speech. Speech and Language Pathologist and Special Educator Sharmin Zahan presented the keynote paper.

In his welcome speech, Khan Motahar Hossain said the government has been identified 50,987 disabled persons as the ‘Suborna’ citizen through Khulna social welfare office and they will get ‘Subarna NID’ card accordingly. 

A total of 29,00000 persons received disable benefits of the government in Khulna in the 2023-24 FY, he said, adding that 38,646 disabled persons received different types of government facilities during the period in Khulna.

In the ceremony, a total of 15 disabled persons received wheel chairs and different aid. Earlier, the Social welfare department brought out a colourful rally that begun at Power House intersection and ended at the social welfare office after parading different city streets.