Change negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities
Access Bangladesh Foundation in collaboration with DCF, NCDW, Sitakund Federation, Turning Point, WDDF, Disability Rights Fund and The Daily Samakal jointly arranged a virtual seminar on “Changing negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities: The role of religious leaders” on 5th September 2021 to remove stigma, misconceptions, discrimination etc. from the society through religious leaders.
Albert Mollah, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation moderated the event. Ashrafun Nahar Misti, Executive Director, Women with Disabilities Development Foundation (WDDF) and Mustafiz Shafi, Acting Editor, The Daily Samakal delivered welcome speech. Dr. Shamsul Alam, Chairman, Department of Islamic Studies, University of Dhaka, Right Rev. Shourabh Pholia, Deputy Moderator, Church of Bangladesh, Bishop of Barishal Diocese, Dr. Sukomal Barua, Former Chairman, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Dhaka, President, World Buddhist Federation-Bangladesh Chapter, Chairman- Council for Interfaith Harmony-Bangladesh and Swami Vibhatmananda, Secretary and Principal, Ramakrishna Mission, Dinajpur from major four religions presented their keynote papers.
All participants in the seminar agreed and requested everyone to show positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities agreeing that people have to shake off misconceptions and stigma toward disability to mainstream persons with disabilities.
Mr. Albert Mollah highlighted the role of religious leaders in changing negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities and mainstreaming them in society. Religious leaders can disseminate their messages to raise awareness from the Holy Scriptures viewpoint as well as to play a pivotal role to make Mosques, churches, temples and Pagodas accessible for persons with disabilities.
A total of 63 representatives from four major religions, Non-Government Organizations, International Organizations, journalists, persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, and organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) attended. Nasima Akhter, President, National Council of Disabled Women (NCDW) ended the meeting with a vote of thanks.
