They also called on the government to sign and ratify the UN Convention on the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) adopted at the UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006 with a view to helping mainstream the issue of the PWDs in society.

National Grassroots Disabled Federation (NGDF) organised the 'Counsellors' Meeting' at the Action on Disability and Development (ADD) office in the city.

Speaking on the occasion, NGDF Law and Justice Secretary Ibrahim Hossain stressed the need for amendment to the National Disability Welfare Act 2001 to make it friendly for people with disability.

He also urged the media to highlight the real picture of PWDs at the grassroots level to sensitise policy-makers.

Speakers at the meeting also emphasised implementation of the existing disability welfare act, particularly the clauses of employment opportunity and census on the number of PWDs.

Umme Kulsum Ranjana, president of the National Council of Disabled Women, said there is no use of formulating any policy if it is not implemented.

Mentioning her work experience at the grassroots level, Ranjana alleged that many organisations do not properly utilise the funds for the PWDs.

She demanded monitoring of the activities of these organisations and inclusion of PWDs in policy-making committees so that the needs of the PWDs are properly addressed.

ADD Country Representative Mosharraf Hossain called for adequate budget allocation for the implementation of the provisions of disability welfare in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).

Speaking as a special guest, Deputy Director of the National Forum of Organisations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD) Salma Nasrin called for signing and ratifying the UN Convention of the PWDs immediately in order to bring amendment to the existing national act for the PWDs.

NGDF President Akhter Hossain presided over the meeting.

Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, attended the meeting as the chief guest while Anisul Huq, assistant editor of the daily Prothom Alo, was present as special guest.