Zubaida says disabled people will travel free on buses, trains, launches nationwide

She says children are the future and no disability should become a barrier to becoming capable citizens

People with disabilities will be able to travel free of charge on buses, trains and launches across Bangladesh, Dr Zubaida Rahman, spouse of the prime minister, has said.

She made the remarks on Thursday while inaugurating the “Shishu Swarga” project at Korail slum in Dhaka.

Zubaida said no disability should prevent a child from growing into a capable citizen, describing children as “the future”.

She said the initiative had been launched to ensure that children with special needs receive care, support and opportunities from an early stage.

The project will also create support groups for mothers of children with disabilities, she said, adding that modern medical science and timely treatment could help uncover the hidden potential of many children.

“Self-confidence can guide both mothers and children out of depression and towards a brighter future,” she said.

Zubaida said the government was working to ensure that physical or mental disabilities do not become barriers to living a healthy and dignified life.

She stressed that people with disabilities must have access to every part of the country while maintaining their dignity and rights.

State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit said healthcare was not merely a service but a fundamental human right.

He said the government’s commitment to people with special needs was reflected in the Shishu Swarga project.

The initiative has been launched in 10 locations and will expand to 50 more Upazilas within a year before being rolled out nationwide over the next three years, he said.

Muhit added that around 15 percent of Bangladesh’s population lives with some form of disability, while adequate services remain limited across the country.