A new paediatric ward dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of children with disabilities was inaugurated on Thursday at Firozabari Disabled Children Hospital, a specialised healthcare facility operated by the Bangladesh Council for Child Welfare (BCCW). Established by the Dawoodi Bohra community’s global social welfare initiative, Project Rise, the ward expands the hospital’s capacity to provide specialised care for some of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable young patients.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, Mr A. Z. M. Zahid Hossain, who served as Chief Guest. Also present were senior government officials, representatives of the Bangladesh Council for Child Welfare, healthcare professionals, civil society leaders and members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Bangladesh.
The Project Rise Ward for Child Healthcare has been established under the patronage of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community. Designed specifically for children with disabilities, the ward is equipped with modern patient care and rehabilitation facilities to support both medical treatment and long-term recovery.
The ward forms part of the hospital’s newly constructed wing, which adds 70 beds to strengthen its paediatrics services. In addition to inpatient facilities, the ward includes advanced physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment together with a dedicated play area, creating a more supportive environment for children undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Zahid Hossain described the collaboration between the Bangladesh Council for Child Welfare and the Dawoodi Bohra community as an example of how partnerships between government and charitable organisations strengthen public healthcare. He commended BCCW for its longstanding service to children with disabilities and thanked the Dawoodi Bohra community for supporting efforts to expand access to quality healthcare. He expressed hope that similar collaborations would encourage greater investment in the welfare of children across Bangladesh.
Chairperson of the Bangladesh Council for Child Welfare, Ms Makhduma Nargis, thanked the Minister for inaugurating the new facility and said the additional ward would significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to serve children requiring specialised treatment and rehabilitation. She expressed her appreciation to His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and the Dawoodi Bohra community for their contribution to the project.
Speaking on behalf of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Mr Yusuf Abbas, President of the Dawoodi Bohra community of Dhaka said the initiative reflected the community’s enduring commitment to improving access to healthcare through meaningful partnerships.
This project is an investment in an institution that has served children with dedication for many years. We hope the new ward strengthens its ability to provide specialised care and rehabilitation for children with disabilities while offering greater support to the families who depend on its services.
Established in 1957, BCCW is a non-profit, voluntary organization registered with the Ministry of Social Welfare of Bangladesh. As the apex body of 40 national and regional child welfare organizations, BCCW is dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged and differently abled children. Its flagship initiative is the 150-bed Bangladesh Shishu Kallyan Parishad Disabled Children Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.