The unit is designed to deliver both routine and advanced dental care, and is equipped to perform procedures under anaesthesia when necessary
Publish : 24 Nov 2025, 06:23 PM Update : 24 Nov 2025, 06:23 PM
Bangladesh’s first-ever specialized dental unit dedicated exclusively to children with special needs has officially opened in Dhaka, marking a major step forward for inclusive healthcare in the country.
The new facility, launched at Faith Bangladesh’s Lalmatia campus, aims to provide safe, child-sensitive and customized dental treatment for neurodiverse children, an area long neglected within mainstream medical services.
The inauguration ceremony brought together distinguished guests, students from the organization’s school for special children, parents and members of the Faith Bangladesh community.
The unit is designed to deliver both routine and advanced dental care, and is equipped to perform procedures under anaesthesia when necessary, an essential but rarely available service in conventional dental settings.
Dr Md Shahadat Hossain, additional secretary (retd) and director of Janata Bank PLC, attended the event as chief guest, while Md Jahirul Islam, additional secretary of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, joined as special guest.
They were accompanied by key figures from faith Bangladesh, including Executive Director Nilufer Ahmed Karim, Board Member Dr Mohammad Zahirul Islam, Institute Adviser and former secretary Shahjahan Ali Mollah, and eminent dental surgeon Dr Rezaul Ahsan.
The inauguration also featured a Preventive Dental Care Seminar and a Dental Screening Program for children.
Both the chief and special guest praised the initiative, stressing the critical need for specialized medical environments tailored to neurodiverse children.
Highlighting estimates that Bangladesh is home to between 1.6 and 1.8 million children with special needs, Chief Guest Shahadat Hossain called for the expansion of such services.
“Children with special needs often face cruelty and neglect, sometimes even within educational systems,” he said.
“We must change our attitudes and work collectively to help them grow as national assets.”
Jahirul Islam echoed the sentiment, noting that meaningful progress requires coordinated efforts from all sectors of society.
Faith Bangladesh Executive Director Nilufer Ahmed Karim described the new dental unit as a reflection of the organization’s long-standing commitment to humane and inclusive care.
“Treating children with special needs is not just a medical task—it is an emotional journey,” she said.
“It involves addressing a family’s fears, a child’s discomfort, and their need for safety, trust and love.”
She said the idea for the unit emerged after years of seeing families struggle to find safe, empathetic dental care for their children.
“This unit stands for love, humanity and responsibility,” she said. “Today we promise that no child’s pain will go unheard.”
Board Member Dr Mohammad Zahirul Islam underscored the importance of empathy in supporting children with special needs, saying society must provide understanding and opportunity rather than mere sympathy.
During the event, Faith Bangladesh also announced two upcoming specialized services for children with special needs, a dedicated eye care service and a specialized asthma centre.
These additions are part of a broader mission to deliver integrated physical, behavioral and emotional support for children with developmental challenges.
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/397203/first-specialized-dental-unit-for-neurodiverse
