Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The 30th International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being celebrated around the world with a commitment to improve and protect the lives of people with physical and mental disabilities. Bangladesh is celebrating the 23rd National Disability Day this year. Declared by the United Nations since 1992, this day is being observed worldwide.

The day was started to show sympathy and cooperation towards the physically imperfect people and to show respect to their deeds. This year's theme of the day is 'Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities Needed to Build an Inclusive World after Covid-19'.

According to the latest statistics of the Department of Social Services, the total number of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh including women, men and transgender people is 24 lakh 29 thousand 858 people. According to a report released by the World Health Organization in June 2011, the disability rate in developing countries is 15 percent.

According to a household survey conducted by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the disability rate in Bangladesh is 9.07 percent. According to the type, about 12 types of disabilities have been identified in humans. These are Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders, Physical, Mental Illness, Vision, Speech Impairment, Intelligence and Hearing Impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Multidimensional and Other Disabilities.

The Ministry of Social Welfare has taken various programs to mark the day. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Department of Social Services, National Disability Development Foundation and concerned governmental and non-governmental organizations have undertaken detailed programs across the country with the aim of integrating and empowering persons with disabilities in the mainstream of development.

Besides, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Department of Social Services and related organizations have organized processions, discussion meetings and cultural programs in every district of the country.

Meanwhile, President Mohammad Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered speeches on the occasion of the day. In a separate message, they highlighted various steps taken by the government of Bangladesh for the development of persons with disabilities and wished success to the day.