Sylhet Bureau 

A discussion meeting was held in Sylhet on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2025 to raise social awareness on autism and to establish the rights of individuals with autism. The event was organized on Tuesday at the conference room of the DC Office

It was jointly arranged by the District Administration, District Social Services Office, Disability Services and Assistance Center, and various volunteer social welfare organizations working with individuals with autism.

The theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2025 was “Embracing Neurodiversity, Building a Sustainable Society.”

Speaking as the chief guest, Deputy Director of Local Government Suborna Sarkar said   it is possible to lead the country toward prosperity by utilizing the neurodiverse population.

She emphasized that integrating individuals with autism into the development stream of the country could significantly contribute to national progress. She highlighted the importance of combined efforts from both government and non-government sectors to improve the quality of life of these individuals. Communication and social inclusion challenges must be addressed through awareness and empathy, thereby reducing their barriers.

These remarks were made during her address as the chief guest of the discussion meeting on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2025.

The discussion was presided over by Deputy Director of the District Social Services Office Md. Abdur Rafiq. Other notable participants included Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Shahina Akter, District Education Officer Abu Sayeed Md. Abdul Wadud, District Disability Affairs Officer Siddhartha Shankar Roy, Senior Health Education Officer Sujon Bonik, and BRAC District Coordinator Anik Ahmed Apu, among others.

Speakers at the event said,  the government continues to work for the welfare of persons with disabilities, including those with autism. Government initiatives include the provision of disability allowances, education stipends, and medical services. Child development centers in public hospitals and autism corners at Disability Services and Assistance Centers in all districts are currently providing treatment services.

They further urged all conscious citizens to stand up for the rights of individuals with autism. Speakers stressed the need for prevention of autism risks during pregnancy and early childhood, acceptance of neurodiversity with empathy, and playing a supportive role in education, healthcare access, and nurturing their talents. At the end of the program, several children with autism were provided with wheelchairs and assistive devices.

Meanwhile, on Monday  Suborna Sarkar, Deputy Director (Deputy Secretary) of Local Government in Sylhet district, visited the Usmanpur Union Parishad of Osmaninagar Upazila.

During the visit, she inspected development projects implemented by LGED and the Department of Public Health Engineering. She also visited Rahima Firoz Shikder High School, Madarbazar Government Primary School, and the ongoing SSC exam center at Sadrunnessa High School.

She gave directives to all concerned during a workshop organized to ensure the accurate implementation of the birth and death registration process.

UNO of Osmaninagar Zainal Abedin, LGED Assistant Engineer S M Abdullah Al Mamun, Project Implementation Officer Ataur Rahman, Assistant Engineer of the Upazila Public Health Engineering Office Mohammad Layeas Mia Talukder, Secondary Education Officer Satyabrata Roy, along with other departmental officials, were present during the visit.