Khaled Ahmed, Pabna: Greater support from affluent and financially capable members of society is essential to ensuring a brighter future for children with autism and special needs, said Pabna District Truck Owners Group President Mozammel Haque Kabir. He made the appeal while attending the second founding anniversary celebration of Ashar Alo Autism Child Care Centre in Pabna on Thursday. The anniversary was celebrated through a colourful programme at the centre, located on Gopalpur Munsef Babu Road, opposite the Department of Narcotics Control office in the town. Addressing the programme as the chief guest, Mozammel Haque Kabir described Ashar Alo Autism Child Care Centre as an exceptional humanitarian initiative dedicated to the welfare and development of children with special needs. He praised the institution for its efforts to nurture these children through proper care, attention and specialised training. "With regular care, training and support, children with autism can gradually develop essential skills and become more capable of leading independent and fulfilling lives," he said. Emphasising the importance of collective social responsibility, he urged affluent individuals and capable members of the community to extend financial and other assistance to the institution so that it could expand its activities and serve more children. Centre Director Marina Islam presided over the programme and delivered the welcome address. Khaled Ahmed, chairman of CNF TV, moderated the event. Former Member Secretary of Pabna District BNP Siddiqur Rahman Siddiq, Assistant Professor of Government Edward College Anisur Rahman and Managing Director of Mirror Group Engineer Jahangir Hossain addressed the programme as special guests. Among others, Dr Dilara Zaman and social worker Nazrul Islam attended the celebration, along with the centre's 25 students, their parents, teachers and journalists from print, electronic and online media. The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Sumaiya Miss, followed by a dance performance by the children to the song 'O Amar Bangladesh'. Teachers were introduced, guests were welcomed with flowers, and a discussion session was held to mark the occasion. The guests later cut an anniversary cake, followed by a separate cake-cutting ceremony involving the children. The celebration concluded with a cultural programme featuring performances by the children, including acting, recitation and dancing. Their performances delighted the guests and parents, highlighting the children's abilities, confidence and creative potential.Beyond celebrating its anniversary, Ashar Alo Autism Child Care Centre is working to improve the mental and physical development of children with autism through specialised educational activities and practical training under the supervision of its trained teachers. Its programmes focus on developing communication skills, everyday living abilities, personal care, cleanliness and hygiene. Children are also taught to recognise letters, develop writing skills, draw pictures, eat independently and use toilets. The training is designed to help them acquire essential skills for greater independence in their daily lives. To ensure the safety of the children, the centre operates under CCTV surveillance and maintains a round-the-clock electricity supply. The institution's second anniversary highlights the importance of sustained community support, specialised care and inclusive opportunities in helping children with autism develop their abilities and participate more confidently in society.  The message from the celebration was clear: children with autism deserve care, dignity, education and equal opportunities, while supporting their development is a shared responsibility of families, institutions and society as a whole.