RANGPUR, Dec 4, 2024 (BSS) - Officials at a discussion have stressed turning people with disabilities into human resources to make them self-reliant through income-generating activities for their mainstreaming in society.
 
They said this at the discussion held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday afternoon to observe the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 26th National Day of Persons with Disabilities-2024.
 
The district administration and Department of Social Services (DSS), with other organizations, organized a rally, discussion, cultural programs, and prize distribution ceremony marking the day.
 
Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan attended the discussion as the chief guest with Rangpur Divisional Director (Deputy Secretary) of the DSS Zilufa Sultana in the chair.
 
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shariful Islam and Civil Surgeon Dr. Mostafa Zaman Chowdhury spoke as special guests.
 
Among others, Additional Director of DSS Sajjadul Islam, District Women's Affairs Officer Seloara Begum, as well as challenged person Ershadul Islam, guardian of another challenged person, Lazina Ferdous, spoke.
 
Deputy Director of the DSS Md Abdul Matin discussed massive programs being implemented by the government for mainstreaming challenged persons in society through ensuring their rights, development, and empowerment.
 
"The DSS is providing necessary training and support in various ways to enable persons with disabilities to contribute to national progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on time," he said.
 
The speakers emphasized establishing a disability-friendly environment to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities to education, healthcare, and social respect with dignity for proper development of their leadership, inherent talents, and abilities.
 
The chief guest said the government is providing various assistances, including allowances, to bring the people with disabilities into the mainstream of society. By doing this, they are becoming able to contribute to society and live with their heads held high.
 
He emphasized involving the efforts of the GO-NGOs with changing social mindsets towards the physically challenged to ensure their proper development to ensure sustainable development.