On 13 April 2025, the Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), hosted a workshop titled “Rights and Protection of Persons Injured in the July Uprising” at BBDN Office, Chamber Building, Motijheel, Dhaka.
The workshop was designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals who acquired disabilities during July Uprising—bringing together expertise from psychosocial support, disability inclusion, and legal empowerment under one roof.
The workshop began with an engaging ice-breaking and introduction session led by Ms. Aziza Ahmed, Director Operations, BBDN, setting a warm and inclusive tone. Ms. Mahmuda Muhsina Bushra, Psychotherapist & Mental Health Consultant at Moner Bondhu, led a session on mental health and shared tools to cope up with life changes.
Mr. Tareq Mahmud, Deputy Program Manager at BBDN, offered clarity on what disability truly means and discussed challenges persons with disabilities face, while Mr. Khondokar Shahriar Shakir, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh and a panel lawyer at BLAST, guided participants through the legal protections available to persons with disabilities, helping them understand where to seek justice and support.
In the final session, Nayem Molla, Communications and Admin Officer at BBDN, emphasized the empowerment of persons with disabilities and guided guardians on inclusive communication etiquette. Representatives from both BBDN and BLAST were present throughout the event and shared commitment to justice, inclusion, and support for those affected during the July Uprising.
Our sincere thanks to all facilitators and participants. Together, we continue to work for a more just and inclusive society.