Bangladesh to become global role model for disability-inclusive society: State Minister

State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit on Monday said that with concerted, multi-ministerial efforts, Bangladesh will emerge as a unique role model and a positive brand for a “disability-inclusive society” among developing nations.

He made these remarks while speaking at a stakeholder consultation meeting held at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to formulate a pilot project titled the implementation of the “Implementation of the Shishu Sworgo (Children's Heaven)” Model.

DGHS Director General Professor Dr Provat Chandra Biswas, Additional Director General Professor Dr Foara Tasmim, Professor Dr Jahid Raihan and Professor Dr Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi spoke at the event, among others.

Dr Muhit highlighted that the Ministry of Social Welfare possesses the capacity to establish specialized centers and spaces called “Shishu Sworgo” in every district across the country. These centres will serve as hubs for long-term rehabilitation, vocational training, and employment generation for people with special needs.

On the other hand, the Health Ministry’s vast network of field workers will identify persons with special needs at the grassroots level, he added.

He said that they will then establish an institutional linkage connecting these individuals to “Shishu Sworgo” and the Ministry of Education.

The state minister emphasised that the government has shifted away from a "charity and pity" model, moving instead toward building a fully rights-based society to ease the lives of people with disabilities.

Highlighting the prime minister's personal initiative to bridge inter-ministerial coordination gaps, he said, “The PM feels this issue deeply. He has clearly stated that he does not want an environment where the state appears to be doing charity for the people with special needs. Instead, he wants them to enjoy equal rights just like any other citizen."