Asaduzzaman urges support for visually impaired, third-gender people, warns against fascism

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman today (26 August) urged support for visually impaired and third-gender people.

Asaduzzaman made the remarks at an award ceremony for a nationwide talent competition for visually impaired and third-gender students at the Sheraton Hotel in Banani.

The ceremony was chaired by Lt Gen (Retd) M Nooruddin Khan, president of the Institute of Hazrat Mohammad (SAW), and was organised to mark Holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (SAW).

Asaduzzaman urged the Ministry of Social Welfare to take initiatives to help them become self-reliant and fully integrated into society.

The minister also called for constructive criticism to help the government correct its mistakes and strengthen democratic governance.

"Many people were killed in crossfire, disappeared, and were shot dead like birds during the July killings. Those responsible were not blind—they could see. Even now, there are people helping fascist forces. We urge them to open their eyes and point out our mistakes so that we can correct them and move the country forward," Asaduzzaman said.

The minister urged citizens to remain vigilant against any attempt to bring back authoritarianism.

"Those who are blind to the fascists—open your eyes. Do not remain blind any longer. Work to ensure fascism never returns to this country. Do not criticise merely for the sake of criticism," Asaduzzaman added.

The event concluded a month-long programme organised by the institute. More than 150 students from across Bangladesh participated.

The competition featured Quran recitation, Hamd and Naat, computer and IT skills, and essay writing.

The institute has provided free Zakat-funded training in English, Arabic, IT and Braille since 2004 and organises annual talent competitions for students with disabilities during Rabiul Awal.