DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday called upon the parents of autistic children not to keep them confined to houses.

Many guardians keep their autistic kids locked up and hidden inside home that’s not fair, they would have to give opportunity as if they can live with the mainstream of society, said the premier.

Sheikh Hasina was addressing a program organized by National Foundation for the Development of Disabled Person at Bangabandhu International Conference Center of the city on the occasion of 7th World Autism Awareness Day.

During her 13-minute address, the prime minister urged all to be aware about the autistic children so that they would not be neglected and get opportunity to explore their talents.

Hasina said government has taken measures to keep their (autistic people’s) lives secured.

“A survey is underway to identify the persons with disability as there was no accurate statistic across the country and government is firmly determined to ensure the rights of the challenged persons,” she added.

Chaired by social welfare minister Syed Mohsin Ali, social welfare state minister Promode Mankin and social welfare ministry secretary-in-charge Nasima Begum, among others, spoke at the function.

The premier also laid foundation stone of the National Disabled Person Complex at the function.

BDST: 1526 HRS APR 2, 2014