With the aim to encourage people to come forward in helping the disabled, Suborno Nagorik Foundation, which works for the betterment of the disabled people in Bangladesh, has partnered up with United Commercial Bank (UCB) and The Daily Star to introduce a special award to recognize people with disabilities and the people around them.

"Suborno means golden, and our honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has termed all the people with disabilities as 'Suborno Nagorik.' I have to rely on a wheelchair since my car accident in 2014 in Australia. Since then, I have been to numerous countries for rehab and therapy, and after coming back to Bangladesh in 2017, I witnessed how the disabled community in Bangladesh is discriminated in every sphere of life," said Asif Iqbal Chowdhury, Founder of Suborno Nagorik Foundation, and also a National Award Winner 2019 (Person with Disability).

The idea to form the foundation came from the urge to tackle this discrimination, he added, and the funds came from his personal sources and friends. He is also an EC Member of Bangladesh Paralympic Committee, a consultant for Special school PROYASH, and Programme Director and Host of Suborno Nagorik that airs on BTV.    

Be it socially or professionally, people with disabilities are discriminated everywhere, although their disability doesn't hinder their ability to learn skills, to study and have a job. Unfortunately, in our country, disabled people have to face so many problems, as many are solely dependent on aid.

So having no other way, many turn to begging in order to live. But there are also people whose disability did not stop them from achieving their dreams; instead, they went through with sheer determination and will power, and the award is meant to highlight these inspirational people.

"We want this award to act as a source of inspiration for all the disabled people. The award will be presented in 4 categories — special needs children's parents, successful disabled persons, organisations that employ physically challenged people, and sports organisations where specially challenged people are included," Asif Iqbal said.

The plan is to host the award annually, and expand it with time. 

"We really want to make an old age home for the disabled people, as they need constant care; they have no one when they grow old. So, I want to build a place that will be their home till their last days, and not just for the old age people, but also for the special needs children when they grow older," Iqbal said of his foundation's future plans.

"We only talk about the challenged children, but what happens when they grow up, and their parents are no more? I want to see them live with care and I request support of any kind, not just monetary but also suggestions on how to do this effectively. I want to request everyone to give me the chance and space to fulfil my dream," said Asif Iqbal.

The award is sponsored by UCB with The Daily Star as media partner, and Daffodil International University as strategic IT partner. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in September.

Photo: Suborno Nagorik Foundation