On the first day, the talented differently-abled individuals demonstrated that they are equally capable of artistic activities through their performances. Six organisations from different parts of the country, specialised in working with the differently-abled, presented lively performances of songs, poetry recitation, group dance, puppet show and a short stage play.

On January 13 the programme began with artistes of Caring Glory presenting a choral rendition of the patriotic song Shurjodoye tumi shurjastey tumi. Performances by artistes of Society for Assistance to Hearing Impaired Children, CRP (Savar), Disable Rehabilitation and Research Association, Centre for Services and Information on Disability, and Deaf Children Welfare Association of Bangladesh received rounds of applause.

Secretary to the Ministry of Education Md. Momtajul Islam inaugurated the event. AKM Azizul Haque, managing director of Jatiyo Pratibandhi Unnayan Foundation and Md. Zulfiquer Haider, additional director of Department of Social Services were the special guests.

The speakers stressed the need to generate awareness on the rights of the differently-abled and to come up with ideas to include people with special needs in the mainstream society.

Zinnat Barkatullah, director of the Department of Production, BSA, delivered the welcome speech while Quamrul Hassan, ndc, the director general of the Academy presided over the programme.