Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. -File Photo

DHAKA, April 21, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus today 
expressed his strong belief that if the potential of children and adolescents 
with autism are identified and raised in a humane environment with proper 
care, education, training and affection, they will also become assets of the 
family, society and the state.

He said this in a message on the eve of "World Autism Awareness Day".

Welcoming the initiative to celebrate the 18th "World Autism Awareness Day-
2025" in Bangladesh like other countries of the world, the Chief Adviser 
extended his warmest greetings to all children and individuals with autism 
and their families, as well as government and non-governmental organisations 
working on autism in Bangladesh and the world.

Yunus said a large number of people in Bangladesh are victims of autism and 
neurodevelopmental problems.
 
Like every citizen, people with autism also have the right to live with full 
dignity, he said, adding: "To build an inclusive society and ensure 
sustainable development, there is no alternative to bringing people with 
autism into the mainstream of society through proper care." 

In this context, he said this year's theme of the day - 'Welcoming 
Neurodiversity, Building a Sustainable Society' - is very timely.

Yunus said his interim government formed through the uprising of students, 
workers and the people is working towards building a discrimination-free, 
developed and prosperous Bangladesh.
 
Embracing the spirit of the July mass uprising, it is necessary to ensure 
that people with neurodevelopmental disorders do not face any kind of 
discrimination in society and institutionally, he added. 

He called upon all concerned to strengthen the ongoing activities of 
government and private institutions as well as to adopt more technology-
friendly activities.

He wished for the overall success of all the programmes taken on the occasion 
of the 18th "World Autism Awareness Day-2025".