She assured that a taskforce formed in coordination with 14 ministries and led by the prime minister herself would soon undertake a national plan for welfare of the disabled.

"Disability does not mean incapability. It is established that the disabled can prove their ability if proper education, training and opportunity are provided," she said while inaugurating a four-day exhibition of products made by the disabled.

The prime minister pointed out that proper guidance, education, training and management by the government have helped the disabled win glories at various international events.

"Therefore, we should change our attitude towards them. They should be loved instead of being neglected," she told the function.

A total of 88 organisations are participating in the fair and have put up stalls at the Dhanmondi Ground in observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons.

The fair has been organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare in collaboration with the National Forum of Organisations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD).

The prime minister urged the private social-welfare organisations and conscious citizens to supplement government efforts in transforming the disabled population into human resources.

Referring to the function, the prime minister said this fair proved that the handicapped can also actively participate in economic and productive activities.

Minister for Social Welfare Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, Khandakar Mahbubuddin MP, president of NFOWD Khandaker Juhurul Alam, Managing Director of the National Foundation for the Development of the Disabled M Ishaq Bhuiyan and Social Welfare Secretary Kazi Monwarul Huq also addressed the function.

Prime Minister's Political Secretary Harris Chowdhury, diplomats and representatives of a large number of national and international social-welfare organisations were present.

The prime minister opened the fair by releasing pigeons and balloons. She went round different stalls and witnessed a cultural programme performed by the disabled artistes.