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

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman yesterday (26 August) called for greater support for visually impaired and third-gender people to help them become self-reliant and fully integrated into society.

He 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 Institute of Hazrat Mohammad (SAW) organised the event to mark Holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (SAW), and its president, Lt Gen (Retd) M Nooruddin Khan, chaired the event.

Asaduzzaman urged the Ministry of Social Welfare to take initiatives to support the groups.

He also called for constructive criticism of the government to help it correct mistakes and strengthen democratic governance.

"Many people were killed in crossfire, disappeared and shot dead like birds during the July killings. Those responsible were not blind – they could see. Even now, people are 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," he said.

The minister urged citizens to remain vigilant against attempts to restore 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," he added.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of a month-long programme organised by the institute, with more than 150 students from across Bangladesh participating.

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

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