The Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN) has partnered with Eastern Bank PLC. (EBL) to empower women with disabilities through comprehensive digital skills training. This collaboration aims to enhance disability inclusion in workplaces by equipping participants with essential digital tools for success in the evolving job market.
An agreement was signed between Murteza Rafi Khan, CEO of BBDN, and Ziaul Karim, Head of Communications and External Affairs of EBL, at the bank’s head office in Dhaka on January 9. As part of the initiative, EBL also provided financial support to BBDN to facilitate the training program.
Through this initiative, 15 women with disabilities will receive specialized digital skills training during the first year of the partnership. The program seeks to build their confidence and provide them with opportunities to pursue meaningful careers in technology-driven sectors.
This partnership highlights the growing commitment of the private sector, particularly the banking industry, to champion inclusion and support the skill development of persons with disabilities. By promoting such initiatives, BBDN and EBL are demonstrating how collaboration can lead to a more inclusive and equitable society.
“Women with disabilities face multiple layers of marginalization due to both gender and disability. We are grateful to EBL for stepping forward to support their skills development and employment prospects. We look forward to working closely with employers and training institutes to ensure the program follows an inclusive, market-driven approach that creates clear career pathways,” said Murteza Rafi Khan, CEO of BBDN.
“At EBL, we believe in the power of digital skills to transform lives. This collaboration with BBDN aligns with our mission to foster inclusion and support the skill development of persons with disabilities,” stated Ahmed Shaheen, Additional Managing Director of EBL.
The agreement signing and cheque handover ceremony was attended by key representatives from both organizations, including Aziza Ahmed, Head of Operations; Zameare Rahman, Senior Accounts and Administration Manager; Arup Ratan Chowdhury, Program Manager from BBDN; and Maj Md. Abdus Salam (Retd), Head of Administration; Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Company Secretary; Mostafa Sarwar, Head of Credit Risk Management; Saiful Islam, Head of RMD from EBL, among others.