National Human Welfare Medal-2021 awarded to a2i

Aspire to Innovate- a2i has won the National Human Welfare Medal-2021 for its significant contribution to the welfare, quality of life, employment, implementation of inclusive education and social protection of persons with disabilities and neuro-developmental disabilities. On Monday (January 2, 2023) in the auditorium of the Department of Social Services at Agargaon in the capital, in the event organized on the occasion of National Social Service Day 2023 and the distribution of human welfare medals, the Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed MP was present as the chief guest, the Project Director (Joint secretary) of a2i Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir received the medal, memento, certificate and money. The a2i has provided technical assistance to ensure an average of 70 percent accessibility of all government websites for the welfare of persons with disabilities. It has also provided technical support for the establishment of Inclusive University along with creation of multimedia talking book and accessible dictionary. a2i has earlier won national and international awards for its work in the welfare of persons with disabilities. Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed spoke as the chief guest on the occasion and said that the government is working to eradicate poverty through various programs undertaken in the social security sector. If these programs are implemented, millions of people will come out of the poverty line. The minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the embodiment of humanity and has a big heart. She is known as the Mother of Humanity by sheltering the displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar. His step for the welfare of humanity is rare in the world. In the context of that, the Ministry of Social Welfare started awarding human welfare medals. The Manav Kalyan Padak will be awarded every year in five categories to individuals and organizations working in the service of humanity motivated by public welfare. The minister also said, Smart Bangladesh of 2041 will be hunger and poverty free. Smart technology has been introduced in the implementation of programs conducted by the Ministry of Social Welfare. More than one crore pensioners and more than five crore beneficiaries are directly under the service of this ministry. In the near future, this huge number of people will come out of the poverty line. State Minister for Social Welfare Md Ashraf Ali Khan Khosru and President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Welfare Ministry Rashed Khan Menon spoke as special guests on the occasion while the Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare Md. Jahangir Alam presided over the event. The main article was presented by the Director General of the Department of Social Services Dr. Abu Saleh Mustafa Kamal. In the speech of the special guest, Rashed Khan Menon said, Bangabandhu was the first to introduce interest-free micro-loans in the country. The global economy is in turmoil due to the Corona pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. In such an economic situation, interest free small loans will be helpful for the people of the country. While speaking as the special guest, the State Minister for Social Welfare said that the Ministry is working for the economic emancipation of all people. Laws and regulations are being formulated and implemented to ensure social security. It may be noted that, eight individuals and institutions have received this medal for the years 2020 and 2021. Although it was not possible to give it in 2020 due to the pandemic, this time the awards for 2020 and 2021 have been given simultaneously. Each finalist for the medal received a medal made of 25 grams of 18 carat gold, a replica of the National Human Welfare Medal, Tk. 2 lakh at the individual level, Tk. 2 lakh at the office or institution level and a certificate of appreciation. Abdul Jabbar Jalil for the protection of marginalized and backward communities, Alhajj Al-Mamun Sarkar, a brave freedom fighter for the welfare of the disabled, Khulna District Administration for positive activities in human welfare received the Human Welfare Medal 2020 among others who received medals. Bishwa Manav Seva Sangh (Vriddashram) for the welfare of elderly-widows, heroic freedom fighter Majeda Shaukat Ali for the protection of marginalized and underprivileged communities, Akbaria Limited for the welfare of children-destitute persons involved in conflict with the law, The Bidyananda Foundation for positive activities in human welfare received the Manab Kalyan Padak 2021- the National Human Welfare Medal.