Zaima Rahman calls for equal, accessible participation for persons with disabilities
She encouraged them to come forward, take leadership roles and work collectively for social progress.
Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, held a dialogue with persons with disabilities this afternoon (3 February), saying that ensuring facilities for them is not about focusing on a single group but about guaranteeing equal and accessible participation for the entire society.
The discussion took place at Gulshan Society Lake Park in the capital, involving persons with physical, mental and intellectual disabilities.
BNP organised the event under the title "Inclusive Bangladesh—With Persons with Physical, Mental and Intellectual Disabilities."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Addressing the participants, Zaima said that the resilience, capability and achievements demonstrated by persons with disabilities despite numerous challenges were a source of pride for the nation.
She encouraged them to come forward, take leadership roles and work collectively for social progress.
She also expressed hope that with proper opportunities for talent development, persons with disabilities would be able to make meaningful contributions across various sectors of society and the state.
During the discussion, participants highlighted persistent discrimination and structural barriers. They said that society often fails to view persons with disabilities as equal, while educational institutions frequently deny admission or adequate support to disabled students.
They also pointed out that although several government-run institutions exist to provide training for persons with disabilities, many fail to offer effective programmes.
Some centres have shut down, while others subject trainees to various forms of harassment, discouraging participation, they said.
Participants said that with proper support and an enabling environment, persons with disabilities could actively contribute to nation-building rather than remain marginalised.
They demanded reserved seats for persons with disabilities if BNP comes to power and called for their representation across all sectors of the state.
Participants further urged the party to take concrete steps to eliminate discrimination and ensure meaningful inclusion.
"We do not want to be a burden on society or survive on charity. We want to prove ourselves through our abilities, but we are denied opportunities," they said.
They added, "Without access, we cannot demonstrate our potential. The state must create an environment where our talents can flourish."
Many participants became emotional during the interaction, saying that direct engagement with political leaders was rare.
Addressing Zaima, they expressed hope that the dialogue would translate into tangible action in the future.
