World Down Syndrome Day has been observed on Monday at the Dhaka University Campus with the theme "Inclusion means Integrated Social System, Increases Confidence in Participation".
The Department of Communication Disorders of Dhaka University, Down Syndrome Society of Bangladesh, Japan Bangladesh Friendship Hospital and AMDA Bangladesh jointly organized a day-long program on the occasion. The program included rallies, discussion meetings, seminars, cultural programs, etc. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the programme as the chief guest.
On this occasion a discussion meeting was held at Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium. Chairperson of the Department of Communication Disorders Tawhida Jahan chaired the discussion meeting, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka Zia Rahman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Neuro-Developmental Disability Protection Professor Md Golam Rabbani, the founding chairman of the Department of Communication Disorders Professor Hakim Arif and Sardar A Razzak, Chairman, Down Syndrome Society of Bangladesh were present as special guests.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman emphasized the need to provide vocational and skill-based education to children with Down syndrome to build an inclusive society, and said that they need to be integrated into the mainstream of development through training. People with Down syndrome need to learn from simplicity, honesty and sincerity to build a beautiful society. He called on all to work together to meet the special needs of people with Down syndrome and to provide strength and courage to their families.
It is to be noted that World Down Syndrome Day is observed on 21st March every year with the aim of ensuring the social status and safety of children and individuals with Down syndrome and creating public awareness in this regard.