The Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN) and SME Foundation (SMEF) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) October 23, 2024, to advance financial inclusion for entrepreneurs with disabilities. This partnership will drive advocacy, financial product development, and capacity-building initiatives to create more accessible banking and financial services.
Before the MoU signing, a discussion session was held on accessible finance for persons with disabilities, supported by the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Promoting Gender Responsive Enterprise Development and TVET Systems (ProGRESS) Project. The event gathered key financial institutions, including BRAC Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Kormoshongsthan Bank, and NRBC Bank, alongside leading organizations such as PKSF and Sajida Foundation.
Entrepreneurs with disabilities shared their challenges in accessing financial support despite being qualified. Mahbubul Islam from the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) shared valuable insights on the essential requirements for developing financial products that cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. Sightsavers provided an overview of the SME policy landscape.
Notable speakers included Mr. Peter Belen, Chief Technical Advisor of ILO ProGRESS Project; Mr. Anwar Hussain Chowdhury, Managing Director of SMEF; Mr. Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury, Trustee of BBDN; and Mr. Murteza Rafi Khan, CEO of BBDN.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Mr. Anwar Hussain Chowdhury stressed the need for action beyond discussions and research, urging collective efforts to remove financial barriers for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
This MoU marks a significant step toward creating an inclusive financial landscape in Bangladesh, ensuring that persons with disabilities have equitable access to opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.