Desk Report:
Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, visited ‘Blue Sky’, a specialized school for children operated by the Bangladesh Air Force.
On Tuesday (September 15, 2026), she was welcomed at the school—located within Dhaka Cantonment—by Saleha Khan, President of the Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association (BAFWA) and the Others’ Women and Children Club (OWCC). Students of the ‘Blue Sky’ school greeted Dr. Zubaida Rahman with flowers upon her arrival.
During the visit, Dr. Zubaida Rahman observed classroom activities and was briefed on the various therapy programs conducted for children with special needs. She personally inspected the hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, and music therapy facilities.
School authorities stated that a team of 28 specially trained teachers and therapists conducts these programs with the aim of helping children with special needs lead healthy and normal lives. The school principal briefed Dr. Zubaida Rahman on the overall operations, including educational and vocational training activities, therapy facilities, and medical emergency arrangements.
The ‘Blue Sky’ school was established in 2021 under the initiative of the Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association. Currently, classroom activities are conducted with a ratio of one teacher and one nursing assistant (sister/brother) for every five students. Since its inception, many students with special needs have transitioned into mainstream education through this school.
Additionally, as part of vocational training initiatives aimed at making children with special needs economically self-reliant, some individuals have been employed as assistant therapists.
As part of the visit, Dr. Zubaida Rahman also toured the ‘BAFWA Corner’, which showcases various activities of the association. She was briefed on the operations of BAFWA Crafts and Boutique, the BAFWA long-term training project, and the training programs at the BAFWA Industrial Home. She also inspected various handicrafts created by the trainees.
Later, Dr. Zubaida Rahman enjoyed a cultural program featuring the joint participation of children with special needs from the ‘Blue Sky’ School and students from the BAFWA Golden Eagle Nursery.
In her welcome address, BAFWA President Saleha Khan stated that since its inception, the Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Association (BAFWA) has been working for the welfare of serving and retired Air Force personnel, civilian staff, and their families. BAFWA also plays a significant role in supporting distressed and vulnerable people through various humanitarian activities, including the provision of medical care, education, housing, and food assistance.
In her speech, Dr. Zubaida Rahman praised the facilities provided for children with special needs at the ‘Blue Sky’ School. She also commended BAFWA’s various initiatives aimed at skill development and the economic empowerment of women.
Dr. Zubaida Rahman remarked that with proper training and guidance, children with special needs can also demonstrate their immense talent. She expressed optimism that achieving success through teamwork and cultivating a sporting spirit would provide them with the strength and morale to grow into good citizens of the country in the future.
The event was attended by the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), the Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bashar, the Vice-President and members of the BAFWA Central Committee, the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of BAFWA AK Khandker and Bashar units, as well as senior officials of the Bangladesh Air Force and other concerned personnel.
