Prime Minister eyes further hike in disability allowances

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the government would consider a further increase in allowances for persons with disabilities, subject to the country's financial capacity, to help them lead more comfortable lives.

"Although we have already increased the allowances to some extent, we could not raise them as much as you needed. Insha Allah, we will increase them a little more in the future, depending on the financial capacity of the state," he said.

The Prime Minister told an exchange-of-views meeting with representatives of the Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Samity (BPKS) at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) here.

Tarique Rahman said both the government and society had a responsibility to stand beside them and ensure their rights and dignity, acknowledging that the needs of persons with disabilities had not been adequately addressed.

"We have started working, and I cannot say how much we will be able to do. But I can assure you that you will receive our maximum support," he said.

The Prime Minister said building plans lacking the necessary facilities for persons with disabilities would not be approved, adding that instructions had already been issued to this effect.

The government, he said, would explore ways to introduce sign-language services at public institutions to help persons with hearing and speech impairments access essential services.

Tarique Rahman said he would ask the Law Minister to discuss the feasibility of providing sign-language assistance in courts and raise the issue with the Health Minister to explore similar arrangements in hospitals.

He asked the Social Welfare Minister to explore ways to expand skills training, including in information technology, to help persons with disabilities develop their talents and become economically self-reliant.