Bangla Sign Language Day: Adviser Murshid Emphasizes Rights of Speech and Hearing Impaired

Bangla Sign Language Day was commemorated at the National Foundation for Development of the Disabled Persons in Dhaka, with Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen Murshid as chief guest.

Murshid emphasized that the state's obligation toward speech and hearing impaired citizens is not charity but a fundamental right. She described sign language as "the basis of linguistic identity, self-esteem and civil rights" for people with these disabilities.

The adviser highlighted that a welfare state must ensure equal access to education, health, information and justice for all citizens. She pointed to the use of sign language in government media as a positive step toward inclusion.

Md Tariqul Alam, managing director of the National Foundation for Development of the Disabled Persons, presided over the event. The ceremony concluded with awards distribution to meritorious students with speech and hearing disabilities.

This observance underscores Bangladesh's efforts to recognize and support the communication needs of its hearing and speech impaired population.