The Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN) held its Advisory Council Meeting on January 11, 2025, at Police Plaza Concord, Dhaka. The event brought together key stakeholders, including Trustee Board members, founding and premier members, general members, and the BBDN management team, to discuss advancements and future strategies for disability inclusion in the workplace.
Mr. Salauddin Kasem Khan, Founding Chairman and Current Trustee, opened the meeting, reflecting on BBDN’s achievements since its inception, including job fairs, recruitment drives, and its leadership in promoting inclusive workplaces in South Asia. CEO Mr. Murteza Rafi Khan highlighted BBDN’s impact, such as over 700 job placements for persons with disabilities and sensitization training for 1,200 corporate and TVET professionals. He also underscored strategic partnerships with BRAC Bank and Eastern Bank PLC, focusing on skills development and empowering women with disabilities.
Key challenges discussed included the mismatch between training programs and market needs, particularly in the ICT sector, high turnover rates in the RMG industry, and accessibility barriers in infrastructure and transportation. Proposed solutions included creating market-driven training curricula, organizing advocacy workshops with industry leaders, and developing employer commitment models to ensure recruitment after training.
Member organizations made significant commitments, such as doubling disability employment targets, engaging in business compacts, and supporting training programs. Chairman Mr. Ardashir Kabir concluded the meeting by emphasizing the importance of sustainable support systems, funding mechanisms, and collaborative efforts to advance disability inclusion.
The meeting ended with a networking dinner, reinforcing partnerships and setting actionable goals for a more inclusive workforce in Bangladesh.