BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman today spoke at a discussion titled "Inclusive Bangladesh" with persons with physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities at Gulshan Lake Park in the city. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman today expressed her hope for a Bangladesh where freedom of expression and diversity of opinions will prevail, and where persons with disabilities, along with all marginalized groups, will have equal opportunities to contribute to nation-building.

"Bangladesh should be for everyone. There should be equal rights for all, and no one should be deprived," she said, adding that the country must preserve its diversity and inclusiveness despite differences among people.

Zaima Rahman made the remarks while speaking at a discussion titled "Inclusive Bangladesh" with persons with physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities at Gulshan Lake Park in the city.

The discussion, organized by BNP, was held without a formal stage or sound system. Persons with speech and hearing disabilities participated with the support of sign language interpreters and shared their workplace challenges.

During the interaction, Zaima Rahman listened to participants' concerns, including difficulties related to transportation, road accessibility, lack of inclusive education systems, and unemployment. Several participants became emotional while describing their experiences.

Addressing the gathering, Zaima Rahman said that ensuring facilities for persons with disabilities should not be viewed as catering to a specific group alone, but rather as creating equal and convenient access for society as a whole.

"The abilities and achievements you have demonstrated despite various limitations and hardships are a source of pride for the country," she said. "We want you to come forward, take leadership roles, and work together with everyone."

She further expressed hope that with proper opportunities to nurture their talents, persons with disabilities could make significant contributions to different sectors of society and the state.

Participants at the discussion said that persons with disabilities are often not treated as equals in society. They noted that many educational institutions fail to accommodate students with disabilities, while several government training centers either do not provide proper training, have shut down, or subject trainees to harassment.

"We do not want to be a burden on society or live on anyone's mercy," they said. "We want to prove ourselves through our qualifications, but we are not getting the opportunities to do so. A supportive environment must be created so that we can express our talents."

Addressing Zaima Rahman, they said that her engagement with them had given them hope and that they now looked forward to seeing meaningful action.