Speakers tell awareness programme arranged by Bashundhara City, PFDA

People are required to change their negative outlook towards the disabled and autistic children to bring them into the mainstream of the society, speakers said. Society needs to instil a sense of inspiration into the minds of the handicapped so they can contribute to the development of the country, they said.They were speaking at an awareness programme jointly organised by Bashundhara City Shopping Mall and Parents’ Forum for Differently-Abled (PFDA) in a restaurant of the shopping mall in Panthapath in the capital city on Friday. The two-day event ends today. Senior adviser (technical) to the Chairman of Bashundhara Group TIM Latiful Hossain, also in-charge of Bashundhara City Development Ltd (BCDL), eminent writer and Prof of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Dr Zafar Iqbal and Sajida Rahman Dany of PFDA addressed the inaugural session, among others. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Zafar said if the disabled and the autistic children are given the opportunity, they may go a long way.He urged all concerned to change their negative mindset towards the people with disabilities. Lauding the programme as highly significant, TIM Latiful Hossain called upon the socially conscious citizens to encourage the children with special needs to reach their goals. “Last December I visited Australia where I saw how they laid importance on the differently-abled section of the society, how they inspire them and try to integrate them into all sorts of day-to-day activities,” he said. Recalling the contribution made by Chairman of Bashundhara Group Ahmed Akbar Sobhan to the development of society, Latiful said he has always been inspired by him to work for the welfare of the people. “We have taken support from the chairman to organise the event,” he said. Latiful said mothers can play the biggest role in raising their children, be it autistic, disabled or able-bodied. Praising the role of PFDA for arranging such an event at the shopping mall for the first time, he said the programme will play an important role in encouraging the autistic children and bringing smiles to their lips. In her speech, Sajida Rahman Dany said it’s very important to raise awareness among the parents of autistic children about how they should bring up their children. She expressed her heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Bashundhara City Shopping Mall authorities for their help in arranging this programme. Nearly 50 autistic children and their parents attended the function and viewed the musical show. A number of popular songs were performed by different artists while the autistic children also took part in the show. Senior Executive Director (accounts) of Bashundhara City Sheikh Abdul Alim, General Manager (HR and administration) Maj Mustafa Rahel Imam (retd) and other senior officials of BCDL were present on the occasion.