Sylhet, Jan 28 (UNB) – Unlike the able-bodied ones, people with physical disabilities, especially those sans legs, cannot move without the help of others. Even if they use manual wheelchairs, they sometimes need support from others to operate those.

But, three students of a private university here designed a special electric wheelchair with their absolute brilliance to remove their worries. Physically-challenged people now can operate the wheelchair with a finger without anyone’s help.

Shafiqul Alam, Jasim Uddin and Md Zihad Al-Sabah, students of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) department of Leading University have designed the wheelchair under the supervision of their teachers Ashraful Islam and Abu Shakil Ahmed.

The students said they have devised the wheelchair considering those who have lost their legs. Using the wheelchair, such people will be able to move to any direction -– right, left, front and back -- by pressing a button with any finger.

There is an automatic electronic brake system attached to the wheelchair, devised fully using local technology, which is the first in the country, they said. There is no need to apply the brakes if any object comes its way.

Electric light and horn have been attached to the chair for smooth movement at night.

The students also said they were working to make sure that the wheelchair is controlled using brain in the future.

Mentioning that the wheelchair can especially be used at hospitals and clinics, they sought assistance either from the government or any non-governmental organisation to market it.

Vice-chancellor of the Leading University Prof Dr M Qumruzzaman Chowdhury and chairman of EEE department Associate Professor Rumel MS Rahman Pir are excited at the feat of their students.