Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Dec 3, 2025 (BSS) - In a discussion today, officials, rights and development activists emphasized on developing equal skills of persons with disabilities to ensure their rights for building an inclusive society.
 
They said this at a discussion held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room to observe the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 27th National Day of Persons with Disabilities-2025.

The district administration and Department of Social Services, with other organizations, organized a colorful rally, discussion and prize distribution ceremony marking the day.
 
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Md Abu Sayeed attended the discussion as the chief guest with Deputy Director of District Social Services Office Anil Chandra Barman in the chair.

Disability Affairs Officer of Disability Service and Support Center Md Masud Rana delivered the welcome speech at the event. 

The speakers emphasized establishing a disability-friendly environment to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities to education, healthcare, and social respect with dignity for proper development of their leadership, inherent talents, and abilities.

The chief guest said that the number of people with special needs is gradually increasing and they are never a burden on the state. They should not be considered as ‘disabled’ but as ‘persons with special needs’. 

“Disabilities are not an obstacle to talent development; if given the right guidance and necessary support, their latent skills, talents, and capabilities can play an important role in the overall national development,” he said. 
 
In his closing speech, Anil Chandra Barman said that various government departments and development partner organizations are working sincerely to implement the rights and development plans of persons with disabilities. 

“If the persons with special needs can be ensured equal opportunities and rights, they will also be able to actively participate in the national development,” he said, and stressed on concerted GO-NGOs efforts to ensure their proper development.

Later, wheelchairs were distributed to six disabled people and elbow crutches to eight disabled people.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Susanta Chandra Roy, Civil Surgeon Dr Shaheen Sultana, Secretary of Rangpur District Leprosy and Disability Development Organization Mozammel Haque and Executive Director of Rangpur Community Eye Hospital Tushar Kanti Das also delivered speeches. 
 
Government officials, representatives of voluntary organizations and NGOs, families of disabled people and media personnel were present at the event.