Govt To Launch 'Shishu Swarga' as Pilot Program in 10 Upazilas
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The government is going to launch a project titled “Shishu Swarga” to ensure healthcare and rehabilitation for children with special needs. In the initial phase, it will be implemented in 10 upazilas across 10 districts.
At a meeting held today (Wednesday) at the Secretariat, this directive was given by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The information was reported by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing.
The meeting was convened to determine necessary actions for ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities and providing them with essential services, with the goal of building an inclusive society.
The Prime Minister instructed the relevant authorities to verify whether schools operated for persons with special needs across the country are functioning properly.
He also directed that building codes be updated to ensure disability-friendly infrastructure and toilet facilities in all government and private institutions, including hospitals and restaurants.
He further stated that planned electric buses for women should also include necessary facilities for persons with special needs.
Emphasizing the importance of accessible infrastructure, the Prime Minister said: “Doors must be constructed in such a way that wheelchair users can easily enter rooms.”
He instructed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take initiatives to raise awareness about persons with special needs and to organize various programs on the issue.
He added: “The dignity and capabilities of persons with special needs must be properly recognized at every level of society. Practical steps must be taken so they can actively participate in all activities of society and the state.”
The meeting was attended by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam, Health and Family Welfare State Minister Dr. M A Muhit, Information and Broadcasting State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Social Welfare State Minister Farzana Sharmin Puthul, Planning State Minister Zunaid Saki, Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobby Hajjaj, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, and Bangladesh Disability Welfare Association founder Abdul Sattar Dulal, among others.
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