DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged all to turn challenged people into country's resources by giving them opportunity to flourishing their hidden talent.

She was addressing a seminar marking the World Autism Awareness Day at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) arranged by the Ministry of Social Welfare this morning.

The Premier said the challenged persons should not be neglected; rather they should be given opportunity to develop their latent talents. Be more sympathetic toward disabled persons, she asked.

She said that many parents expressed their frustration with disabilities of their dear one; there is no reason to be frustrated. Make them as country's resources with your love and affection.

The premier also urged aware people of the society to play responsible roles for advancement of the challenged ones. They will emerge as a national asset, she hoped.

In this connection, she said many world famous personalities including Albert Einstein, Darwin, Newton, William Butler Yeats and Stephen Hawking were autistic by born but autism could not create any barrier to developing their talents.

The Prime Minister said the people of the country were little aware about autism. Parents of children with disabilities felt hesitation to introduce their dear ones with others. Especially mothers of challenged children faced harassment from the society.
  
Appraising the role of her daughter, Saima Wazed Hossain Putul, also an autism expert, in creating awareness about autism, Sheikh Hasina said whatever she knew and learned about autism was from her (Saima), who is also a child psychologist.

"I am taking advices about the issue from Putul, who is playing an important role worldwide to create mass awareness about autism, and for this, I am extending my thanks to her," she said.

A video message of Saima Wazed Hossain, Chairperson of National Autism Advisory Committee, was broadcast at the program.

PM Hasina, however, highlighted various steps taken by her government to ensure facilities to the challenged people. She said her government has set up a trust for the welfare of challenged persons.

She said incumbent Awami League-led government has already enacted "Disabled Persons Right and Protection Act, 2013" and "Neuro-Developmental Disabled Protection Trust Act, 2013" for the welfare of the persons with disabilities.

Sheikh Hasina also said a special coordinated education policy has been adopted to educate and bring challenged children in mainstream of the society.

Under the policy, about 10,000 mentally challenged students are getting access to 50 educational institutions. About Taka 9.50 crore have been allocated for the purpose, she added.

The activities would be further expanded in future, the PM also said.

Highlighting the success of disabled persons, the premier  said while physically-mentally fit team could not be world champion, but the team comprising challenged persons have lifted the country’s head high on the world stage through wining awards for several times in international events. So, challenged people should be considered as a national resource, not as disable.

Later, the Prime Minister witnessed a coulorful cultural function performed by the autistic children.

Health Minister Mohammad Nasim, Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali, State Minister for Social Welfare Ministry Advocate Promod Mankin, and Social Welfare Secretary Nasima Begum also addressed the function.

BDST: 1326 HRS, APR 02, 2015/update: 1818 HRS