DHAKA, June 28, 2022 (BSS) - The government has taken initiatives for increasing the facilities for the welfare and protection of specially abled persons to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the Ministry of Social Welfare sources, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), about 52 multidimensional and intensive programmes are being implemented for ensuring the rights and protection of all persons with disabilities in the country.

Secretary to the Ministry of Social Welfare Jahangir Alam told BSS that the present government is implementing various programmes under the social safety net programme and a massive initiative has been taken to increase the facilities including providing allowances for all the disabled people of the country.

Lauding Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he added that Bangabandhu had taken massive initiatives and plans for the welfare of the common people as well as specially abled persons.
He further said that the government has allocated Taka 1,850 crore for providing various facilities including allowances to 20 lakh 8 thousand disabled people in the current fiscal 2021-22 where each will get Tk 750 as allowance.

He hoped that this allocation would be increased in the next financial year and the number of beneficiaries will be 23 lakh 65 thousand. 

Students with disabilities are currently getting an allowance of Tk 1,300 per month.

Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS) Mohammad Kamrul Islam Chowdhury mentioned that social service offices in 492 upazilas and 80 cities are implementing special programmes for the welfare and protection of the disabled at all levels of society. 

The number of beneficiaries is increasing in the coming days, he said, adding that, special facilities including allowances are being provided by making list of the disabled citizens.

Prabin Nibas Hitaishi Sangha sources said that the government is providing free medical treatment and other facilities for the elderly disabled people of the country.

Of these, therapeutic services were provided to the disabled through 103 service centers at 39 upazilas in 64 districts, the sources added.