President Mohammed Shahabuddin today stressed the importance of integrating children and persons with autism into the mainstream of the state and society.
In a message issued on the eve of ‘World Autism Awareness Day-2026’, to be observed Wednesday, the president stated that people suffering from autism and neuro-developmental disorders are inseparable parts of families and society.
The head of state mentioned that there is no alternative to involving this disadvantaged community in the mainstream to establish a discrimination-free welfare state.
He noted that children and persons with autism often possess special talents and demonstrate extraordinary skills in fields such as painting, music, mathematics, and information technology (IT).
With proper care, compassionate behaviour, and a supportive environment, they can be developed into valuable assets for society, the president said.
He further stated that the present government is committed to building an inclusive, prosperous, and humane Bangladesh. To achieve this goal, he added, it is essential to include persons with autism and disabilities in every sphere of society and development.
The president also underscored the importance of early identification of autism and ensuring the normal development of autistic children through necessary treatment and therapy.
He called upon community leaders, government and non-government organisations, and all stakeholders to work together to raise awareness about autism and build a disability-friendly society and state.
Shahabuddin wished the overall success of all programmes undertaken marking the “19th World Autism Awareness Day-2026.”
