Human chain to demand nationalization of all schools for the disabled

News Desk: There has been a human chain in the capital demanding recognition of schools with disabilities, MPO registration and improvement in the living standards of students. On Monday (February 15) in front of the National Press Club, the Bangladesh Handicapped School Teachers Association organized a human chain program. Arifur Rahman, a teacher at Ahmedpur School for the Mentally Handicapped and Autism in Gaibandha district, said, "I have not received a single penny from the school for seven years." I am living a dehumanized life with my children and family. On top of that, we provide the necessary travel materials, tiffins and educational materials for the students with our own money.

We call on the government to nationalize about 2,000 schools for the disabled across the country and take appropriate steps to uplift the backward classes. Arifur Rahman Apu, convener of Bangladesh Disabled School Teachers Association, presented 11 demands on behalf of students and teachers with disabilities in the human chain. Their demands are-

>> Recognition and MPO of schools in accordance with the integrated special education policy on disability;

>> Confirmation of 100% salary allowance and all kinds of benefits from the date of recognition;

>> Provide 100% stipend to students with disabilities in all schools;

>> Ensuring distribution of free textbooks in accordance with the curriculum of schools for the disabled in all schools;

>> Serve healthy meals suitable for students with disabilities;

>> Ensure 100% of teaching materials as per demand in all schools;

>> Ensure regular monitoring in schools for the disabled;

>> Ensuring all related facilities including quality training of teachers and staff;

>> Ensure construction of modern standard disability friendly buildings in 100% schools;

>> Introduce therapy centers in schools with disabilities and provide modern therapy equipment

>> To ensure the self-reliant life of the students including employment according to their qualifications at the end of their education.

More than five hundred teachers and students from all over the country took part in the human chain.