They cannot see, speak or walk but they dream, a long-cherished dream of performing on a stage amid a huge round of applause.

A group of physically challenged Dhaka University (DU) students dream that the word 'disabled' will no longer be used for them.

To make their simple dreams come true, students with disabilities launched the journey of a cultural organisation titled "Bishesh

Shikkharthee Sangskritik Sangha" (a cultural union of special students) at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium at DU yesterday.

"We want to see the word'handicapped' is being omitted gradually. We want to be familiar with our work and performance. Maybe we cannot see or walk but want to build our world ourselves -- want to disclose our latent talents in music, dance and so on," said Sarif Ahmed, a visually challenged student while addressing the launching ceremony.

Sarif, also the coordinator of die newly launched organisation, said, "We have started our journey. Now vve want support from people of all ages so that we can reach our destination.”

He demanded a room at the TSC to continue their cultural activities throughout die year.

DU Treasurer Syed Abul Kalam addressed the ceremony as chief guest while Prof Biswajit Ghosh of •Bangla Department, Bangladesh Organisation for Disabled Advancement Executive Director M Khalilur Rahman and TSC Director Alamgir Hossain also took part.

Prof Kalam said maybe some people were born with less physical facilities but that does not mean

that they will get fewer facilities in the society.

People, who are physically challenged, have the right to get similar facilities from the society, he added.

He called on the students with disabilities to feel free in the univer-

sity, saying, "You are not different in the university. You all deserve the same facilities as a normal student enjoys here."

He assured them of allotting a full floor of the proposed ten-storied extension buildingofTSC.