Inclusion and representation of disabled persons in integrated uplifts activities have become imperative for national advancement leaving no one behind to attain the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

High officials, public representatives and leaders of different organisations working for welfare of disabled people made the observation at an advocacy meeting held at conference room of a local hotel in the city on Thursday afternoon.

The National Council of Disabled Women (NCDW) organised the meeting with the assistance of the ADD International Bangladesh with Finance Secretary of NCDW Rebecca Sultan Rita in the chair.

The Upazila Social Service Officers, union parishad chairmen, government and NGO officials, leaders of different Disabled People’s Organisations, officials, journalists and civil society members participated in the event.

Rangpur Divisional Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS) Abu Saleh Md Musa Jongi attended the meeting as the chief guest.

President of Rangpur Rangdhanu Protibondhi Adhikar Sangstha Saidar Rahman delivered welcome speech while Filed Coordinator of NCDW Md Hasanuzzaman presented the keynote essay in the advocacy meeting.

Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs for Rangpur Kawser Pervin, Deputy Director of the DSS Mossarraf Hossain, Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Kaniz Sabiha, District Assistant Education Officer Shahrina Dilruba and Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Development Alamgir Hossain, addressed as special guests.

Chairmen and Vice-chairmen of upazila parishadd, Chairmen of union parishads and leaders of different organisations working for welfare of disabled people took part in the open discussion.

The speaker discussed problems and socioeconomic conditions of disabled population, steps taken by the government and other organisations for their inclusion, participation and representation in development activities for their mainstreaming in the society.

He proposed for increasing allocations in the annual development budgets of local government bodies like union and upazila parishads and other sectors for development of disabled people.

Mossarraf Hossain narrated the steps taken by the government to ensureinclusion and representation of disabled people in uplift activities and provide education and training to make them productive human resources for attaining the SDGs by 2030.

The chief guest said the present government is committed and working sincerely to attain the SDGs through mainstreaming of people with disabilities and ensuring their equal socio-political and economic empowerment and human rights.