Sharmin S Murshid, Advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children, said that sign language is the second largest language in this country. The responsibility of the state, society and family towards the citizens who use sign language is neither mercy nor charity, it is only their right. The speech and hearing impaired have the right to acquire the strength they need to survive, and it is the responsibility of the state to create and create the rights of the speech and hearing impaired people to use sign language.
She said this while speaking as the chief guest at a rally, discussion meeting and cultural program to celebrate Bengali Sign Language Day-2026 at the National Disability Development Foundation in Dhaka today.
The program was chaired by the Managing Director of the National Foundation for the Development of the Disabled, Md. Tariqul Alam (Additional Secretary), and the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Kamal Uddin Sarkar, delivered a special guest speech. The program was welcomed by the Director of the National Foundation for the Development of the Disabled, Sonamani Chakma. The main article was presented by the researcher and member of the Society of the Deaf and Sign Language Users, Md. Abdullah. Students with speech and hearing disabilities participated in the program.
Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid said, today we have gathered here to celebrate the Bengali Sign Language Day. She said, the journey of sign language has come a long way around the world. Sign language has been recognized by the United Nations. Its importance has been established in the eyes of people much more deeply than before. This year's theme of the day - "Use of sign language, rights of persons with speech and hearing disabilities" - this theme provides an important guideline in ensuring inclusive development in our society.
He said, sign language is not just a means of communication; it is the basis of linguistic identity, self-esteem and civil rights of people with speech and hearing disabilities. Where language shows the way to express people's thoughts, feelings and potential, neglecting sign language means keeping a large population away from the mainstream of society.
The advisor said, in a welfare state system, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure equal access to education, information, services and the justice system for all citizens.
The Bangladesh government has already formulated various policies and laws to protect and develop the rights of people with disabilities.
In that vein, it is very important to ensure the recognition, use and promotion of Bengali sign language. By expanding the use of sign language in educational institutions, government offices, healthcare centers and the media, it is possible to include people with speech and hearing disabilities in the mainstream. You have noted that the government media Bangladesh Television uses sign language to broadcast news and educational programs in sign language are ongoing in special schools.
He also said, "I hope that through today's event, awareness will increase among all concerned and the use and practice of Bengali sign language will become more dynamic."
I express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the organizations and participants involved in the implementation of this great initiative. It is time to calculate how much we have been able to do for our disabled civil society in Bangladesh, and how much we have not been able to do. The responsibility of the Ministry of Social Welfare is to establish the values of a welfare state. I think the most important thing of this ministry is to the people and if it is well managed, it can provide immense service to the people. The advisor said, "I was surprised when I entered this ministry. When I was outside, I could not realize how much work is here, how much potential is here and what extraordinary work this ministry has the ability to do," he mentioned.
Today's discussion, exchange of views and ideas will make our society more humane, more sensitive and more equal.
Above all, there is care and love behind the service. This realization is very important among the employees of the Ministry of Social Welfare. They are not just doing a job, they are some of the most important communities in this country who are easily marginalized and need to be brought into the mainstream, and this need must be understood by the workers of the Ministry of Social Welfare. Later, he distributed certificates and awards among the meritorious students with speech and hearing disabilities.
