Bangladesh Activists Push for Improved Accessibility Ahead of White Cane Day
Activists and visually impaired individuals in Bangladesh are pushing for improved accessibility and rights ahead of White Cane Day on October 15. The white cane, a symbol of independence and safety for the visually impaired, has sparked demands for free distribution and modernisation.
Samiul Islam, a student at Bangladesh Education Resource Development Organization (BERDO), called for updated white canes and printing technologies to enhance accessibility. Meanwhile, activists and visually impaired persons urged the Bangladesh government to include white cane safety in driving and traffic training modules. BERDO executive director Md Saidul Haque went further, advocating for audio-assisted traffic systems to aid visually impaired pedestrians.
Mosharraf Hossain, a Supreme Court advocate and BERDO Trustee Board chairman, stressed the importance of inclusive education. He joined the Bangladesh National Federation of the Blind (BNFB) in demanding the integration of safety issues for blind pedestrians into the driver and traffic training program of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority. Additionally, Sher Ali, a visually impaired BERDO schoolteacher, demanded free white canes from the government.
The visually impaired community in Bangladesh is united in its demands for improved access, education, and safety. With White Cane Day approaching, these activists hope their calls for action will be heard and implemented by the government.
