DHAKA, April 1, 2024 (BSS) - The 17th World Autism Awareness will be observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe tomorrow aiming to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and celebrate the unique strengths and experiences of autistic people.

This year's theme of the day is "Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic Individuals share regional perspectives."

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the eve of the day urging all concerned to come forward for welfare of the disabled.

They said the government has already enacted Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013, Neuro-Developmental Disability Protection Trust Act-2013, Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council Act 2018 and Integrated Special Education Policy, 2019 to ensure the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said, "Autistic and people with disabilities are the part of our family and society."

The present government is sincerely working for ensuring congenial atmosphere of the people with autism and differently able people through taking various effective programmes, he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the Awami League government has taken massive programmes for people with differently able and autism.

"The Awami League government is disabled-friendly government," she said.

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as the World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the needs to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the disorder.

This year, the day will be celebrated across the country through colorful programmes and special supplements will be published in daily newspapers.

In honor of persons with autism, blue lighting will be arranged at the Ministry of Social Welfare and its departments and agencies, various institutions and important government buildings, said a release.

Blue tightening will also be arranged in the Bangladeshi embassies and missions abroad while discussion will be organised in each district, according to social welfare release.