Rikta Akter Banu Named in BBC 100 Women 2024 for Building a School for Children with Disabilities

The BBC has named Rikta Akter Banu from Bangladesh among its 100 inspiring women for 2024. Hailing from Chilmari, Kurigram, Rikta founded a school for children with disabilities and autism after her daughter, who has autism and cerebral palsy, faced school admission rejection. She sold her land to establish the Rikta Akter Banu Learning Disability School, now serving 300 students with diverse disabilities. The initiative promotes inclusion and challenges societal stigma. The BBC 100 Women list honors women driving global change, with a focus this year on climate crisis solutions. Past honorees include Jannatul Ferdous and Sanjida Islam Choya.