I received a mobile call on Aril 1, 2019 from Dr Rownak Hafiz Chairperson of Autism Welfare Foundation (AWF) who invited us to attend programs on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of AWF on April 5. I expressed my inability as I underwent successful operation and recovering by the grace of Allah.
I told her that the 15th anniversary of AWF on April 4 and the 12th World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 were in my mind and wished all success in reciprocation. She told me of an event marking the 12th World Autism Awareness Day attended by Prime Minister at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on the following day and that she would receive felicitation for Specialized Best Institution AWF from the Prime minister. The programme aired by national television channels was watched by us and gave us immense pleasure. It is well deserved one and it goes without saying it would serve as an example role model to others, Insha'Allah.
I handed over the mobile to my wife Prof Laila Akhter. I told Dr Rownak that my daughter Dr Shamima Islam Shumi, mother of Fahim Hasan, would attend with all her passions and drive as usual for autism welfare. She attended and reported back to me with magazine 'Kanan' published on the occasion.
We are grandparents of Fahim Hassan now an autistic adult and involved in voluntary activities from the very inception under the inspiring leadership of Dr Rownak Hafiz, when neither the parents nor medical domain in Dhaka knew what to do, moved helter skelter, neighboring country and western countries.
Finally it was felt there is no solution but seeks welfare of our autistic children within the country and took up the challenge. In this bid we started to organize voluntarily in our traditional Bengali sprit, which is responsibility of parents, family and society, not any eye to foreign funded NGOs a post Bangladesh phenomenon.
I took up the duty to campaign in column of national media for raising awarenesson autism which was instantly reciprocated by Dr Rownak Hafiz who provided technical data, updated research, education and training in the fields of autism that I passed thru column regularly to readers, sufferers and policy makers.Any Program of AWF is the meeting place of different strata of society, teachers and students of autistic center exchange views that gave usconfidence and courage to dream a lively life for our children.
I remember a moment in an annual sport of AWF held at Sultana Kamal women sports complex, Dhanmondi Dhaka, in first decade of this century I suggested to a rising entrepreneur provide funds to the programs of AWF that is in terms of traditional and social responsibility and acceptable to Allahinstead of spending otherwise to which he nodded positively with a smile. He did so and we are thankful to him.
Actually it was arduous path to tread 15 years to attain what we aimed for AWF, children adult and guardians, in the short term and long term. The striking achievement was to build its permanent premises befittingly overcoming various constraints at Madherchar, Post Office-Shyamlapur, Keranigonj Model Thana Dhaka 1312 Bangladesh. AWF commenced operation in its own premises on April 1, 2018, an eye catching architectural feat indeed contain all functional needs of all concerned with mathematical precision.
Thanks to Architect Masum Kabir and his team who gave all out efforts for autistic with his natural feeling of afather of a girl. The construction work was started in June 2015to which Runner Group, AB Bank, Guardians, various institutions and individuals extended helping hands and assistances. Now in pleasant atmosphere and full of gaiety AWF family is working and stepping forward. We hope Godspeed.
We have seen with satisfaction in what natural passion Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed on World Autism Awareness Day, detailed the steps taken by her and urged the people to be sympathetic to them. This should be responded by all layers of bureaucracy, volunteers and management countrywide in letter and spirit. The PM in her address said' See this bottled water. Do you know who manufactured it?The differently abled people. It is unfortunate that the use of this bottled water could not be confirmed in my office.
They bring different brands when I ask for bottled water.' 'Wefind lack of sincerity and goodwill to do the marketing of this product. Most of my office colleagues are here. I hope the use of this bottled water will be ensured in my office starting today,' Hasina said. When this is the state of response of the officials around her, it does not bode well although good pieces of law have been passed and requisite funds provided by her government!
The government has passed the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013 and the Neurodevelopmental Disability Protection Trust Act 2013. Necessary policies have been made in the light of the laws. In 2014 the Neurodevelopmental Disability Protection Trust has been established. The government so far donated the Trust Tk.709.7 million in funds.
We hope the fund has reached the needed and ongoing evaluation is undertaken in right earnest to ameliorate sufferings of the sufferers, which PM has expressed. She is very cooperative and friendly to our children. It is a great endeavor true to the cause that government is planning to undertake constructions of some residential Hostel, Shelter Home.
It is the cry of parents of autistic child adult as to what would happen to their children after their death, which has been felt by the PM who has held hope for them. Alongside the government intervention non - government organizations involved in this domain should respond and come forward.
Wealthy persons of our society spread at home and abroad have responsibility to extend cooperation to welfare societies in mother land for autistic. AWF has accorded priority to construct own residential hostel for its students to provide meaningful working and earning life to them, before the death of their guardians parents peacefully. We seek blessings of Allah.
The writer is an economist, advocate and columnist.
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