Speakers at a participatory discussion in Rajshahi town on Friday unequivocally called for standing by the visually impaired people to facilitate them to lead normal life.
They observed that the differently able people are subjected to repression and oppression by their surroundings since childhoods because of their disability. Side by side with the government's initiative, community support is crucial for improving their living and livelihood conditions as they are an integral part of the society, they mentioned.
The observations came at the function to mark the World White Cane Safety Day- 2021 held at the conference hall of Primary Teachers Institute on Friday afternoon.
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Rajanigandha Protibandhi Unnayan Sangstha (RPUS) organized the meeting in association with Rotary Club of Padma Rajshahi (RCPR) with the call of ensuring legitimate rights of the visually impaired people.
This year's theme of the day is - "Digital Sadachari, Nirapodey Poth Choli".
On the occasion, 30 visually impaired people were given smart white canes. Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton addressed the meeting as the chief guest, while RPUS President Asaduzzaman Chowdhury was in the chair.
Ward Councilor of Rajshahi City Corporation Ruhul Amin, RCPR President Arif Sheikh and RPUS General Secretary Sharmin Begum also spoke.
The meeting was told that the achievements of visually impaired people are celebrated on the World White Cane Safety Day on 15th October every year. The day marks the importance of recognizing the white cane. The white cane is not only a tool. It also represents the independence of those who are blind.
Mayor Liton said instead of neglecting the physically challenged people, they should be built as efficient workforce to make prosperous Bangladesh. Terming the physically-challenged people as an integral part of the society, he observed that overall development of the nation is not possible keeping them aside.
