Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government plans to increase allowances for people with disabilities, taking the country’s financial capacity into account, to help them lead more comfortable lives.

“We will take initiatives to increase allowances for people with disabilities, considering the financial capacity of the state, so that they can live with greater comfort,” he said on Saturday evening during an exchange of views with representatives of the Bangladesh Protibondhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS) at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Rahman said supporting people with disabilities was a responsibility shared by the government and society. He stressed that they were an integral part of society and deserved proper consideration of their rights, dignity and needs.

He said the government was committed to addressing shortcomings in the support previously provided to people with disabilities.

Sign Language Access and Healthcare Support

The prime minister said the government would consider introducing sign-language services in government institutions and courts, with relevant ministries instructed to take necessary steps.

He also emphasised skills development and employment opportunities, saying people with disabilities should receive appropriate training and opportunities to develop their talents and achieve economic independence. The government would also consider expanding access to information technology training.

Rahman instructed the social welfare minister to take necessary initiatives in this regard.

To improve access to healthcare, he said the government would discuss with the Health Ministry the possibility of arranging sign-language interpreters at hospitals to help patients with disabilities communicate with medical professionals.

He also said steps would be taken to ensure legal assistance for women with disabilities.

Better Data, Employment and Transport Facilities

Rahman stressed the need for reliable statistics to determine the actual number of people with disabilities in Bangladesh. He said the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics would be instructed to collect accurate data and submit it to the government.

The government would also consider special facilities for farmers with disabilities and raising the maximum age limit for their entry into government service.

On transportation, the prime minister said measures were needed to address mobility challenges faced by people with disabilities. The government would examine ways to make pink bus services more suitable for women with disabilities and explore the introduction of disability-friendly buses in Dhaka and other major cities.

He added that instructions had been issued to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities when approving designs for new buildings. Plans that fail to provide appropriate access and mobility facilities could face rejection.

Education and Political Representation

The prime minister welcomed a proposal to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities in educational institutions, saying the government would discuss the matter with the Education Ministry.

Regarding a proposal to ensure representation of people with disabilities in the national parliament, he said the issue involved constitutional considerations and would be discussed with party leaders.

Rahman also said a memorandum of understanding had been signed among the relevant ministries responsible for social welfare, law, and women and children’s affairs to facilitate legal assistance for people with disabilities.

He pledged the government’s full support, stressing that every person had the right to live with dignity and that people with disabilities should receive the opportunities and services necessary to become self-reliant.

PM Promises Support to Disabled Athlete

During the meeting, 30 people with disabilities and representatives of organisations raised their concerns and demands before the prime minister. The session was moderated by Abdus Sattar Dulal, founder and executive director of BPKS.

When disabled athlete Mohammad Mohsin said he had brought a cap as a gift for the prime minister, Rahman stepped down from the stage to receive it. He also assured Mohsin that he would support his team’s participation in sporting events abroad.

Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, State Minister Farzana Sharmin and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A.B.M. Abdus Sattar also spoke at the event.

The programme concluded with a group photograph involving the prime minister and the participants.