On April 16, 2025, Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), under International Labor Organization’s ILO) Promoting Gender-Responsive Enterprise Development and TVET System (ProGRESS) project, organized an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between local TVET institutes and OPDs. The ceremony was held at Hotel City Inn, Khulna. The aim of these MoUs is to ensure greater participation of persons with disabilities in technical and vocational education and to support institutions in becoming more disability-inclusive.
Three separate MoUs were signed between three TVET institutions working under the ProGRESS project – Khulna Mahila Polytechnic Institute, Technical Training Center (TTC), Khulna and Institute of Marine Technology Bagerhat — and the local organization of persons with disabilities, ‘Bandhab Protibandhi Sangstha’. The representatives signed on behalf of their respective organizations.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ms. Masreka Khan, National Programme Officer (Gender & Skills Policy), ILO; Ms. Aziza Ahmed, Director Operations, BBDN; Mr. Arup Ratan Chowdhury, Programme Manager, BBDN; Mr. Tarek Mahmud, Deputy Programme Manager, BBDN; Ms. Rubaiya Sultana, Senior Programme Officer, BBDN. Representatives of TVET institutes and OPD were also present at the event.
The organizers expressed their hope that through the implementation of this MoU, greater participation of persons with disabilities in skill development and employment will be ensured.