RAJSHAHI, Oct 16, 2021 (BSS) - Speakers at a participatory discussion

unequivocally called for standing by the visually impaired people to
facilitate them to lead normal life.

  They observed that the differently able people are subjected to repression
and oppression by their surroundings since childhoods because of their
disability.

  Side by side with the government's initiative, community support is crucial
for improving their living and livelihood conditions as they are an integral
part of the society, they mentioned.

   The observations came at the function to mark the World White Cane Safety
Day- 2021 held at the conference hall of Primary Teachers Institute on Friday
afternoon.

  Rajanigandha Protibandhi Unnayan Sangstha (RPUS) organized the meeting in
association with Rotary Club of Padma Rajshahi (RCPR) with the call of
ensuring legitimate rights of the visually impaired people.

  This year's theme of the day is - "Digital Sadachari, Nirapodey Poth
Choli".

   On the occasion, 30 visually impaired people were given smart white canes.
Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton addressed the meeting as the chief
guest, while RPUS President Asaduzzaman Chowdhury was in the chair.

   Ward Councilor of Rajshahi City Corporation Ruhul Amin, RCPR President
Arif Sheikh and RPUS General Secretary Sharmin Begum also spoke.

  The meeting was told that the achievements of visually impaired people are
celebrated on the World White Cane Safety Day on 15th October every year.

  The day marks the importance of recognizing the white cane. The white cane
is not only a tool. It also represents the independence of those who are
blind.

  Mayor Liton said instead of neglecting the physically challenged people,
they should be built as efficient workforce to make prosperous Bangladesh.

  Terming the physically-challenged people as an integral part of the
society, he observed that overall development of the nation is not possible
keeping them aside.

  He called for creating better scopes of education and vocational training
to create more employment opportunities for them.