BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government would consider a further increase in allowances for persons with disabilities, subject to the country`s financial capacity, to help them lead more comfortable lives.

"Although we have already increased the allowances to some extent, we could not raise them as much as you needed. Insha Allah, we will increase them a little more in the future, depending on the financial capacity of the state," he said.

The Prime Minister told an exchange-of-views meeting with representatives of the Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Samity (BPKS) at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) here.

Tarique Rahman said both the government and society had a responsibility to stand beside them and ensure their rights and dignity, acknowledging that the needs of persons with disabilities had not been adequately addressed.

"We have started working, and I cannot say how much we will be able to do. But I can assure you that you will receive our maximum support," he said.

The Prime Minister said building plans lacking the necessary facilities for persons with disabilities would not be approved, adding that instructions had already been issued to this effect.

The government, he said, would explore ways to introduce sign-language services at public institutions to help persons with hearing and speech impairments access essential services.

Tarique Rahman said he would ask the Law Minister to discuss the feasibility of providing sign-language assistance in courts and raise the issue with the Health Minister to explore similar arrangements in hospitals.

He asked the Social Welfare Minister to explore ways to expand skills training, including in information technology, to help persons with disabilities develop their talents and become economically self-reliant.

He also said he would discuss with the Education Ministry the possibility of creating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in educational institutions.

The government would examine whether the age limit for persons with disabilities applying for government jobs could be extended by at least one or two years, he added.

The Prime Minister said he would ask the Agriculture Ministry to consider providing special support to farmers with disabilities.

About public transport, he said the government would explore ways to improve the existing pink bus services for women to make them accessible to women with disabilities. The possibility of introducing disability-friendly buses in Dhaka and other major cities would also be considered, he added.

Tarique Rahman said he would instruct the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) to determine the actual number of persons with disabilities in the country so that the government could formulate appropriate policies and support measures based on reliable data.

Regarding political representation, the Prime Minister said he would discuss within his party the possibility of ensuring parliamentary representation for persons with disabilities along the lines of reserved seats for women.

The issue, he said, involved constitutional considerations and that he could not make a definitive statement at this stage. However, he would discuss the matter with his party colleagues and, if feasible, consider arrangements for representation by one woman and one man with disabilities.

The Prime Minister also referred to a memorandum of understanding involving the Ministries of Social Welfare, Law, and Women and Children Affairs on providing legal aid to persons with disabilities. He expressed hope that the initiative would help address their difficulties in accessing justice.

Reaffirming the government`s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, he said everyone had the right to live with dignity and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

The meeting was moderated by BPKS Founder and Executive Director Abdus Sattar Dulal. Thirty persons with disabilities and representatives of disability organisations spoke at the event, highlighting their problems and placing their demands before the Prime Minister.

When informed that athlete Mohammad Mohsin, a person with disabilities, had brought him a cap as a gift, the Prime Minister came down from the dais to receive it. He also assured Mohsin of support for his team`s participation in sporting events abroad.

At the participants` request, Tarique Rahman joined them for a group photograph at the end of the programme.

Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof. Dr. Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul and PM`s Principal Secretary A B M Abdur Sattar were present, among others.