Dhaka, April 21, (V7N) – Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the importance of nurturing the potential of children and adolescents with autism in a compassionate environment, stating that with proper care, education, training, and affection, they can become invaluable assets to their families, society, and the nation.

In a message marking the 18th observance of World Autism Awareness Day, Dr. Yunus extended his heartfelt greetings to individuals with autism, their families, and all organizations – both governmental and non-governmental – working to support them in Bangladesh and around the world.

"A significant number of people in Bangladesh suffer from autism and neurodevelopmental disorders," Dr. Yunus noted. "They have the same right as every citizen to live with dignity."

Highlighting the 2025 theme, “Welcoming Neurodiversity, Building a Sustainable Society”, he called the message timely and vital to building an inclusive society and achieving sustainable development. He reiterated that people with autism must be brought into the mainstream through supportive and inclusive initiatives.

Dr. Yunus also noted that the current interim government, formed through the people’s uprising in July, is committed to building a discrimination-free, equitable Bangladesh. He stressed the need to ensure that people with neurodevelopmental disorders are not subject to any form of social or institutional discrimination.

Calling for strengthened efforts and greater use of technology, he urged all stakeholders to enhance autism-related initiatives across both public and private sectors.

Dr. Yunus concluded his message by wishing success for all the programs organized in observance of World Autism Awareness Day 2025.

END/MSS/RH/