BPKS for inclusion of persons with disabilities in policy, dev. process

The Bangladesh Pratibandhi Kalyan Samiti (BPKS) on Monday urged the interin government to take one representative with disability as adviser to ensure the participation of people with disabilities in the development process.

The interim government should make all reforms based on their views, including the participation of representatives with disabilities in the policy and other reform processes of the country.

People with disabilities are the most discriminated in the country. So to make them equal to all citizens, ensure that at least 10 (ten) seats in the national parliament and 2 (two) seats each are reserved at all local government bodies.

Abdus Sattar Dulal, executive director Bangladesh Pratibandhi Kalyan Samiti (BPKS) said this at a news conference at the National Press Club on Monday.

As a result of activities of the organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) the government gets about Taka 30 thousand crores of indirect tax from them. At least 10% of this tax revenue should be allocated to empower their organizations to implement their activities, he said. 

Abdus Sattar Dulal said, country's infrastructure, all establishments, workplaces, vehicles and services should be made accessible to persons with disabilities, while government job recruitment process should be made free from discrimination for persons with disabilities.

He on behalf of the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) prayed to almighty Allah for eternal peace of the souls of those who were killed in the anti-discrimination movement of students and people. 

Many people, including talented students are going to live with physical and visual disabilities permanently as they suffered injuries during the movement. We believe that such situation seriously harms the mental health and mental well-being of every person. It impacts on long-term effect on our intelligence and creativity. 

He congratulated the Interim Government headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus on behalf of organisation of person with disabilities.

He said according United Nations and World Health Organization estimates, about 17% of the total population of Bangladesh are citizens with disabilities. But the government says the comprise only 2.8%. We Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) think this number will not be less than 10% which means 17 million are citizens with disabilities in Bangladesh.

He said that the Bangladesh Pratibandhi Kalyan Samiti (BPKS) and the National Alliance of Disabled People's Organizations (NADPO) implemented various programmes for 40 years. But citizens with disabilities in the country continue to be neglected and discriminated and deprived of their rights. As citizens we are owner of the country, but the government does not count and value us. The present government unfortunately is dealing with us the same way. Even our beloved students associated with the anti-discrimination student movement have not given importance to persons with disabilities.

The labor market and work environment are not open or inclusive to persons with disabilities and are not accessible. The various authorities of the Bangladesh do not think to involve persons with disabilities in national activities through legislation. For example, when someone acquires a disability while carrying out the duties of the state, the government shows kindness towards them for the time being, but does not take any permanent responsibility. 

We all need to remember that people with disabilities are also citizens and owners of the country. Therefore, it is important and obligatory for the government to ensure freedom, justice, dignity, all human rights and their inclusion in the economic, social, cultural and public service activities without discrimination.

We believe, if our demands are implemented, Bangladesh will be a developed and dignified state not only for persons with disabilities but also the goal of the anti-discrimination movement of the students will be achieved.

Finally, we hope that under leadership of Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus good governance, discipline and peaceful environment will be ensured in our beloved country very soon, Abdus Sattar Dulal added.