I take this opportunity in writing this letter regarding the establishment of an institute for the disabled in Bangladesh. I was born with Cerebral Palsy. Despite my physical shortcomings, I obtained the highest degree from The University of Dhaka in 1965. Today, I am a successful industrial entrepreneur in Bangladesh. This has only been possible due to the fact that I was blessed with parents and close family members who believed that I maybe disabled physically, but my mind was perfectly able. I especially, attribute this to my mother who was determined and was instrumental in giving me the sense of ability that I can do whatever I can if I put my mind to it. In simple terms I was mainstreamed instead of being labeled. I went to school with my siblings competed intellectually in all capacity. I learned to be a fighter in life. It took an enormous amount of courage, patience and perseverance on my part to overcome my physical limitations and utilize my potential as a human being. My personal experience suggests that given support, assistance, and inspiration, a disabled person can lead a productive life with honor, and dignity in society. With this in mind I have made a special effort to establish an institute to serve the disabled in collaboration with both domestic and international philanthropists. I would have started this much earlier, a road accident ten years ago further compounded my physical limitations. Today I am wheel chair bound and am able to walk only with the help of an assistant. This project is a personal agenda on my part. I can identify with the pain and agony that goes with being disabled. If in a small or a large way I can help an individual who suffers for no fault of his own. I will be in peace with myself that I can give back to the community what I received as a person. More than ever I am determined to go ahead with the program. This will be a non–profit organization under the name “Salvation For Deserving (SFD)”.

As required by law to run such an organization, it has been registered under NGO affairs Bureau and the Social Welfare Ministry, Government of Bangladesh An executive Committee has been formed to facilitate smooth running of the organization. Initially we will conduct advocacy involving the relevant government organizations, the civil society, and the target group i.e. the disabled individuals. Subsequently, the following projects will be implemented under the program:

1. Education center with Vocational training facilities for the disabled in order for them to be self-reliant.

2. Medical center with physiotherapy, Occupational Physiotherapy, Orthopedics and Neurology with X-ray facility and other Medical services.

3. Old home center for the disabled. Random survey conducted by SFD in different parts of Bangladesh revealed that about 12% of the population is suffering from one form of disability or other.

There are special laws in different countries for the protection and the welfare of the disabled. Similar law was enacted in Bangladesh in the year 2001. This legislation needs to be ratified further, to serve the interest of the disabled. The disabled feel inferior, segregated and ignored from the mainstream in society. In addition to that society does not always foster correct attitudes towards them. Such a situation warrants for strong advocacy.

The advocacy, inter alia, will include the following:

a. Social mobilization and building public awareness.

b. Interaction among the relevant Government Organizations, civil society and other stakeholders through meetings and conferences on the issues of the disabled and motivate them to render all possible support and assistance for the disabled.

c. Development of consciousness among the disabled concerning the rights and privileges as citizens of the country they live in. Instill in the disabled person a sense of self-respect, dignity, and about their ACTIVE PARTICIPATION in in SOCIO-ECONOMIC activities.

d. Media coverage on the issues of the disabled. Promoting awareness.

The Motivation Plan includes:

1. Conducting motivational workshops in rehabilitation centers with an emphasis on becoming self-reliant and productive in society.

2. Forming a National Disabled Association to focus primarily on the shortcomings in government and private workplaces, which are not impairment friendly. The National Disabled Association hope to be instrumental in passing legislation, for fair representation of the disabled in Nation building from the village level to the National level.

I have donated 2 acres of land in a village of Manikgonj district under Dhaka division for constructing a center for the disabled. But for making such a project a reality an enormous amount of funding is required. This will not be possible for us to raise the funds locally. As such international and national donations are crucial to get this project of its feet.

I hope you will appreciate our goals for the services to the disabled and come forward to arrange donations through your good offices. Query if any, about the organization will be met spontaneously. Feel free to forward this letter to any National or International entity who maybe interested in the welfare of the disabled.

We have shifted in our own premises on the February 14, 2007 where we are providing with Hamid-Noorjahan Medical Cetre facility, Employment Vocational Training Centre Facilities, Valley view special needs school service, food and lodging for the Disabled Children. Mother and Child Care Centre etc. Land development and structure building plan are under process with the building Consulting Firms. Additionally, we have some special kind of health care facilities such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy etc. Our advocacy and motivation program has also started in the community.

I look forward to hearing from you.

With best wishes and regards.

Sincerely yours,

Nasir-ur Rahman Sinha
Chairman