Access Bangladesh Foundation in collaboration with DCF, NCDW, Sitakund Federation, Turning Point, WDDF, Disability Rights Fund and The Daily Samakal jointly arranged a virtual seminar on “Changing negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities: The role of religious leaders” on Thursday. Ashrafun Nahar Misti, Executive Director, Women with Disabilities Development Foundation and Mustafiz Shafi, Acting Editor, The Daily Samakal delivered welcome speech. Co-Founder and Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation Albert Mollah moderated the event Dr. Shamsul Alam, Chairman, Department of Islamic Studies, University of Dhaka, Right Rev. Shourabh Pholia, Deputy Moderator, Church of Bangladesh, Bishop of Barishal Diocese, Dr Sukomal Barua, Former Chairman, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Dhaka, President, World Buddhist Federation-Bangladesh Chapter, Chairman- Council for Interfaith Hermony-Bangladesh and Swami Vibhatmananda, Secretary and Principal, Ramakrishna Mission, Dinajpur from major four religions presented their keynote papers.
All participants in the seminar agreed with this view and requested to show positive attitude towards persons with disabilities agreeing that people have to shake of misconception and stigma towards disability to mainstream persons with disabilities.
Mr Albert Mollah highlighted the role of religious leaders in changing negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities and mainstreaming them in the society. Religious leaders can disseminate their messages to raise awareness from scriptures viewpoint. Religious leaders can play a role to make the Mosques, churches, temples and Pagodas accessible for persons with disabilities.
A total of 63 representatives from four major religions, Non-Government Organizations, International Organizations, journalists, persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, and organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) attended. Nasima Akhter ended the meeting with vote of thanks.