Policy being formulated to ensure govt jobs for special people: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the government is preparing a policy for the persons with disabilities, ethnic groups and underprivileged ones so that they can easily get government jobs.

She said this while addressing a function marking the '27th International and 20th National Day of persons with Disabilities (IDPD)' at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) on Monday.

"There was a movement against the quota system, and again there was a series of movements a few days later. That's why we had to abolish the system, this is true. But, now we're preparing a policy wherein there'll be a priority for the persons with disabilities, ethnic groups and underprivileged groups," said the prime minister.

The theme for this year's IDPD is 'Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality', reports UNB.

Hasina said no people of the country will be neglected. "All have to realise that every person of the country is our kith and kin."

The Prime Minister asked all to create the mentality to adopt the persons with disabilities as their closest ones.

She urged the affluent section of society to come forward to ensure the welfare of the special people.

The Prime Minister said the government is determined to ensure all the basic rights for the persons with disabilities as human being.

"We can utilise the potentials they have...we have to build them in such a way so that we could utilise their merits and skills for the development of the country," she said.

Hasina urged all not to neglect them, rather give them support so that people with disabilities could prove their worth and excellence in society. "We've to give them the opportunity to demonstrate their dormant talents."

She said directives have been given to all concerned to ensure opportunities for the movement and toilet facilities for the special people in every establishment from now on. 

Putting emphasis on turning the disabled people as resources of the country, the Prime Minister urged all to work together to bring the disabled persons under the mainstream of the development. 

Hasina highly praised the disabled youths, particularly the special players, saying they have brightened the image of the country earning medals, including the gold ones, by participating in various international sports events.

She said The Rights and Protection of Disabled People Act 2013 and The Protection of Neuron Developmental Disabled Trust Act 2013 were enacted to ensure the welfare of the disabled people and the government is implementing those.

Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon presided over the programme.

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim, President of National Disability Foundation M Saidul Huq and Social Welfare Secretary Md Zillar Rahman, among others, were present at the function.

The Prime Minister also distributed crests and certificates among the individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to society.

Later, the she enjoyed a cultural programmes presented by children suffering from disabilities.