DHAKA — With proper care, education, training, and adequate opportunities, children with intellectual disabilities can be transformed into invaluable assets for the nation, said Dhaka Deputy Commissioner (DC) Farida Khanam on Tuesday.
She made the observations while addressing the audience as the chief guest at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of Maya’r Badhon, an organization dedicated to the development of children with special needs. The event was held at the Bangladesh Police Liberation War Museum in the capital’s Rajarbagh, where food and gift items were distributed among the children.
Emphasising that disabilities should never define a person's capability, Farida Khanam cited world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking as an inspiring example. She noted that despite severe physical limitations, Hawking made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the universe, proving that physical constraints cannot halt human intellect or dreams.
"There is immense potential within these children as well," the Deputy Commissioner remarked. "If we focus on their abilities and talents rather than their limitations, and provide them with proper education, training, and support, they too will make their families, society, and the country proud."
Commending Maya’r Badhon for its decade-long dedicated service, she lauded the organization’s compassionate efforts in nurturing special needs children and ensuring a safer future for them.
Addressing a major concern of parents—the future of their children after their passing—Farida Khanam underscored the importance of establishing permanent, safe shelters for individuals with special needs. She urged wealthy individuals and philanthropists to step forward and support such humanitarian causes.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner assured financial aid for the welfare of autistic and intellectually disabled children and pledged to look into allocating government-owned land (khas land) for such initiatives where suitable.
Chaired by Maya’r Badhon President Mst. Fauzia Yasmin, the event brought together civil society representatives, parents, organization members, and children with special needs.
According to the organizers, 96 children with special needs participated in the program, including 16 orphans and 11 single-mother children.
Speakers at the gathering emphasized the need for a shift in societal attitudes toward children with special needs and called for expanded opportunities in education, vocational training, and employment. They also appealed for widespread public support to help realize Maya’r Badhon’s vision of building a permanent residential facility.
