Photo : Collected

DHAKA, May 11, 2026 (BSS) - Eleven-year-old Nafiz Islam loves dancing, singing, making friends and going on outings, although he is unable to study at the same grade level as other children his age and can count only up to 50.

Yet, his mother Rahela is delighted with his progress, as Nafiz is a child with Down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome often experience developmental delays and may progress more slowly in learning and daily activities.

Down syndrome is a congenital genetic condition that affects physical growth and intellectual development, leading to distinctive facial features and delayed development in affected children.

Globally, about one in every 1,000 children is born with Down syndrome. Their growth and learning progress more slowly, and a 27-year-old person with the condition may have developmental abilities similar to those of an 8- to 10-year-old child.

To raise awareness and reduce isolation, the 13th National and 21st World Down Syndrome Day 2026 were officially observed under the theme “Walk Together, Eliminate Loneliness” on April 8, although World Down Syndrome Day is globally observed on March 21.

Nafiz’s mother, Rahela, said they consider their child a gift from God and are doing everything possible to help him live a normal life. However, she has seen many parents neglect children with Down syndrome.

Another child, Mahua, dances so impressively that no one would realise she has Down syndrome. During a performance, Mahua danced alongside teacher Nurun Nahar, leaving the audience feeling that she performed as well as, or even better than, many other children.

Teacher Nahar said children with Down syndrome are often more talented in cultural activities and sports than in academics.

She explained that they naturally enjoy dancing and quickly respond to music without much encouragement. With proper support and guidance, these children can develop their talents and even become artists, she said.

However, she also noted that many families are unwilling to actively support and encourage children with Down syndrome.

Vocational trainer Masuda Khanam shared similar concerns, saying that her school currently has 10 individuals with Down syndrome, including 27-year-old Abul Kalam Azad. Azad lives in Dhaka with his mother and works as an assistant at the vocational school. He can perform tasks properly when guided, but struggles to find employment elsewhere, she said.

Masuda said many families hesitate to bring people with Down syndrome into public life, and even those who do often become discouraged due to a lack of opportunities and support services.

According to the Neuro-developmental Disability Protection Trust, around 452,000 people in Bangladesh are living with four types of neur-odevelopmental disabilities. Among them, Down syndrome has the lowest identification rate, with only 8,030 individuals officially diagnosed so far.

However, Assistant Director Md Abu Toyaib Khan said many cases still remain undetected.

He explained that the identification process is ongoing, as the government is working to raise awareness among parents, provide training on caring for children with intellectual disabilities, and offer psychosocial counselling. Despite these efforts, there are still no dedicated institutions for training and rehabilitation.

The report highlights the importance of providing training, nutrition and social inclusion support for children with special needs so they can become part of mainstream society.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the government is prioritising training, nutrition and social inclusion support for children with special needs so they can become part of mainstream society.