Roundtable calls for inclusive society for people with autism
A roundtable titled "Autism and Humanity: Equal Dignity in Bangladesh" convened in Dhaka on Friday to mark World Autism Awareness Day 2026, with policymakers and experts calling for coordinated action to uphold the rights and dignity of people with autism.
The event underscored the urgent need to safeguard the rights of people with autism and foster an inclusive society. The United Nations has designated this year's theme as "Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value".
The event was organised by the Foundation for Advancement of Innovations in Technology and Health (FAITH Bangladesh) at the National Press Club, with support from Orbis International and three Inner Wheel clubs—Arushi, Lobelia, and Oasis Dhaka—under Inner Wheel District 345.
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FAITH Bangladesh has worked since 2014 to support children with autism and other special needs. Its Brighter Life School initiative has played a significant role in delivering quality education and support services.
Md Tarikul Alam, Managing Director of the National Foundation for Development of Disabled Persons and Additional Secretary, attended as chief guest. Special guests included Mushayela Karim, Chairman of Inner Wheel District 345, and Dr KM Hasan, Executive Director (Skills) of Daffodil Group, representing Dr Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil Group.
Dr Aftab Uddin, Chairman of FAITH Bangladesh, chaired the session, while Nilufer Ahmed Karim, Executive Director of FAITH Bangladesh and President of Inner Wheel Club of Arushi Dhaka, moderated.
The roundtable convened experts and representatives from NGOs, service organisations, medical and policy sectors, academia, media, service providers, and parents.
Discussants included Dr Imdadul Haque Talukdar, Prof Tahmina Akhtar Toffee, Prof Sharmin Ahmed, and other notable experts and advocates.
Participants emphasised the need for coordinated, multi-stakeholder collaboration, including the possible formation of a dedicated forum to better support people with autism and special needs.
Speakers noted that social stigma, discrimination and lack of awareness remain major barriers for people with autism and their families, underscoring that autism is a broader social and humanitarian issue beyond the health dimension.
Referencing global research, discussants noted that parents of children with autism face elevated mental stress, a challenge mirrored in Bangladesh. The need for expanded skill development and employment opportunities was strongly emphasised.
Mushayela Karim highlighted Inner Wheel's ongoing work with vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, through community-based initiatives.
Dr KM Hasan called for transforming autism support into sustainable livelihood opportunities through dedicated skill tracks and skill labs, adding that Daffodil Foundation is committed to such initiatives.
The chief guest underscored the government's responsibility in advancing inclusive policies and interventions for people with autism, assuring continued support for empowerment, inclusion, and well-being.
In closing, the chair called for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach and stressed the importance of awareness, stigma reduction, and expanded skill development and employment opportunities, expressing hope for concrete follow-up action.
Moderator Nilufer Ahmed Karim concluded by urging sustained, collective efforts to uphold the dignity, rights and equal worth of people with autism, and to build a more inclusive and sustainable society.
