Autism victims must also be involved in the implementation of Vision 2041: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, our goal is to build a developed and prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041. In the implementation of Vision 2041, people with autism and disabilities should be included. To this end, she urged the Neuro-Developmental Disability (NDD) Protection Trust to implement more technology-friendly activities.
She said, "I believe, if children and adolescents with autism characteristics are identified and developed in a humane environment with proper care, education, training and love, they will also become assets of the family, society and the state."
In a message given on Monday (April 1) on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day-2024, the Prime Minister said, I am happy to know that the 17th 'World Autism Awareness Day-2024' is being observed in Bangladesh like other countries of the world. On this occasion, I extend my sincere greetings to all children with autism characteristics, individuals and their family members, caregivers, autism researchers, teachers, doctors, therapists, inventors of assistive devices and related government and private organizations in Bangladesh and the world.
She said, "I think the theme of the day - 'Awareness-Recognition-Valuation: Journey from mere survival to prosperity' is very timely."
The Prime Minister said, 'Awami League government is autism and disabled friendly government. In the last 15 years, we have implemented comprehensive measures for the welfare of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism. These include Neuro-Developmental Disabilities Protection Trust Act-2013, Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act-2013, Neuro-Developmental Disabilities (NDD) Protection Trust Rules-2015, Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Rules-2015, Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council Act-2018 and Disability Special Education Policy-2019. Our government has taken appropriate action plans for the successful implementation of these laws. In the light of the principle of 'development is not leaving anyone behind', we are implementing development programs for everyone in the society.
Sheikh Hasina said that under the NDD Protection Trust, the program of establishing 14 'Autism and NDD Seva Kendra' as a project in 14 places of the country in the current fiscal year (2023-24) is underway. Also, the program of establishing 8 'Medical, Education and Rehabilitation Centers' in 8 divisions of the country for children and persons with NDD characteristics is underway. The Trust is jointly implementing 'Bangabandhu Suraksha Bima' with General Insurance Corporation for health protection of NDD persons.
She said that our government has formulated 'National Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2030' to protect the rights of people with NDD disabilities. In the light of this action plan, NDD Suraksha Trust has launched a training program for parents and guardians for home based care and mental health care of children and individuals with autism. At the same time teachers have also been brought under training. NDD Suraksha Trust has developed two apps called 'Bolte Chai' for non-verbal communication and 'Smart Autism Barta' for early screening or detection of autism.
The Prime Minister wished for the overall success of all the programs undertaken on the occasion of '17th World Autism Awareness Day 2024'.