Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) and Barisal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) jointly organized a seminar on “Promotion of Disability Inclusion at the Workplace” on 24 March 2018 in Southgate Hall at Hotel Grand Park, Barisal.
Begum Jebunnesa Afroz, MP and Member of Parliamentary Caucus on Disability was present as Chief Guest in the seminar. Mr. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Barisal was present as Special Guest in the seminar. Mr. Saidur Rahman Rintu, the President of BCCI chaired the seminar. Among other guests Prof. Aminur Rahman Khan, Vice President, Mr. Hafizur Rahman, Mr. Shahidul Alam, Directors of BCCI, business leaders, NGO & Civil society representatives and journalists were present in the seminar.
Mr. Murteza R. Khan, Co-Chair of EC, BBDN and Mr. Albert Mollah, Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation presented video documentary and power point presentation on disability inclusion at the work place. Mr. Murteza Khan exhibited the progress through different activities done by BBDN including seminars in others divisional cities of the country, job fairs and working closely with local chambers of commerce through collaboration. Mr. Albert discussed about how employers can approach disability inclusion in their organizations and the steps that need to be taken.
In her speech Begum Jebunnesa Afroz, MP said, the seminar is specifically significant for the people with disabilities living in Barisal Division. People with disabilities are as capable as non-disabled people when given the right opportunity. She committed to raise the key points discussed in the seminar at the next parliamentary caucus on disability meeting. She further pledged her efforts towards promoting disability inclusion in remote areas of Barisal. She urged the business community of Barisal to begin employing people with disabilities and proposed to build Barisal City as an inclusive and accessible city for people with disabilities.
Mr. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Barisal said, it is high time to change our approach towards people with disabilities. As seen in developed countries, special facilities need to be ensured for people with disabilities as the government has prioritized the needs of people with disabilities. He further reiterated that the skills of people with disabilities should be valued in the workplace. He offered his cooperation with other stakeholders for disability inclusion on the government side.
The President of BCCI, Mr. Saidur Rahman Rintu urged the business community to recruit people with disabilities in different business organizations and to materialize the idea of a tax incentive for inclusive employers. He also requested the concerned authorities to support the entrepreneurship of people with disabilities. The president of BCCI delivered the concluding remarks by giving thanks to all the participants for their patience and sincerity.