Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN) and BRAC Bank PLC., with the support of GIZ Bangladesh and hospitality partner Le Méridien Dhaka, hosted EmpowerAbility: Powering Every Ability 2025 on 11 November 2025, under BRAC Bank’s flagship CSR initiative Aporajeyo Ami.
The event brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, and development partners to translate dialogue into action—through policy partnerships, corporate commitments, and inclusive employment practices.
A landmark achievement of the conference was the signing of MoUs between BBDN & BGMEA and BBDN & BKMEA, embedding disability inclusion within the ready-made garment sector-promoting accessible workplaces, inclusive recruitment, and industry-wide awareness.
The conference was graced by distinguished guests including Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment; Dr. Md. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Managing Director and CEO, BRAC Bank; Ardashir Kabir, Chairman, BBDN Board of Trustees; and Jürgen Menze, Disability Inclusion Specialist, ILO & Coordinator, ILO Global Business and Disability Network.
Over 50 leading organisations-including BRAC, Grameenphone, ACI Logistics, Akij Group, Bata, Team Group, Sajida Foundation, and others-demonstrated strong cross-sector commitment to building an inclusive and equitable workforce.
– Special thanks to BRAC Bank PLC. – As part of the larger BRAC family, your leadership, credibility, and unwavering professionalism continue to guide the private sector toward greater inclusion. Your vision through Aporajeyo Ami exemplifies how business can be a force for equality and transformation.
– GIZ Bangladesh, thank you for your steadfast partnership and for your ongoing work advancing inclusive employment, policy innovation, and sustainable development in Bangladesh.
– Le Méridien Dhaka, your warmth and impeccable hospitality created the perfect setting for this important dialogue.
At BBDN, we are proud to serve as a bridge between the private sector and people with disabilities, empowering organisations to include, employ, and enable talent. Our resource members and partners are the heart of our mission—their dedication, expertise, and spirit make change possible.
The conference concluded with a united call to institutionalise inclusive employment, strengthen policy advocacy, and expand public–private collaboration—reaffirming that disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative, but a driver of sustainable and inclusive national growth.
Together, we are powering every ability-because inclusion drives progress.