Dhaka Bureau: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that if the potential of children and adolescents with autism is identified and developed in a humane environment, they will also become assets of the family, society, and state.
He said this in a message given on the occasion of ‘World Autism Awareness Day 2023 on Sunday (April 2).
The Prime Minister said that we are determined to turn Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous, and smart Bangladesh by 2041, along with everyone in the society. I am glad to know that the 16th ‘World Autism Awareness Day 2023 is being observed in Bangladesh, like other countries of the world. He extended his sincere greetings to all the autistic children, individuals and their family members, caregivers, autism researchers, doctors, therapists, assistive device inventors, and related government and non-governmental organizations in the world, including Bangladesh.
He felt that this year’s theme of the day, ‘Building a neuro-friendly, inclusive world for all on the journey of transformation, is very timely.
Sheikh Hasina said that the Awami League government has passed the Neuro-Developmental Disability Protection Trust Act-2013, the Neuro-Developmental Disability (NDD) Protection Trust Act-2015, the Protection of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2013, and the Protection of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2013 for the welfare of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism. Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council passed Act-2018 in 2015 and Disability Special Education Policy-2019 in 2019.
He said that appropriate action plans have been adopted for the successful implementation of these laws. Besides, the initiative, advice, and tireless efforts of Bangladesh National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Chairperson Saima Wazed have created a wide awareness at the national and international level to improve the quality of life of children and individuals with autism.
The establishment of eight ‘Medical, Education, and Rehabilitation Centers’ in eight divisions for children and persons with NDD characteristics is under way. He thanked all those concerned with the NDD Trust for working closely on implementing these activities.
The Prime Minister wished the overall success of all the programs undertaken on the occasion of the 16th ‘World Autism Awareness Day 2023.
