On December 11, 2024, Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN), in collaboration with BRAC Bank’s Aporajeyo Ami initiative, International Labour Organization (ILO), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, hosted the groundbreaking “EmpowerAbility: Powering Every Ability” national conference at BICC, Agargaon, Dhaka. This transformative event brought together leaders from government, business, and civil society to advance the agenda of disability inclusion in Bangladesh.
Bridging Gaps and Building Alliances
The conference opened with a moving cultural performance by Sundaram, a group of artists with disabilities, challenging societal stereotypes and showcasing the transformative power of art in fostering inclusivity. The inaugural session, “Setting the Vision Towards Disability – Inclusive Growth,” set a strong tone for the event. Moderated by Mr. Murteza Rafi Khan, CEO of BBDN, this session featured speakers like Mr. Ardashir Kabir, Chairman of BBDN; Mr. Peter Bellen, Chief Technical Adviser of ILO; Dr. Andreas Kuck, Country Director of GIZ; and Mr. Sabbir Hossain, Deputy Managing Director of BRAC Bank. These thought leaders emphasized the critical role of businesses in driving inclusion and aligning national policies with global standards.
A Call to Action
The Chief Guest of this conference, Brigadier General (Rtd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, delivered an inspiring keynote address, stating,
“Inclusion of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of ethical responsibility but also a fundamental human right. We stand at a transformative moment where we have the opportunity to reshape our society.”
His words resonated deeply, setting the stage for a day of discussions and actionable commitments.
Exploring Pathways to Inclusion
The conference featured three insightful panel discussions, each addressing critical dimensions of disability inclusion:
- Learning from the Lived Experiences of Persons with Disabilities: Moderated by Ms. Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of B-SCAN, this session spotlighted personal stories of resilience and professional success. Panelists included Md. Nazmus Sakib, Diversity & Inclusion Officer at UNDP Bangladesh; Md. Amjad Hossain, Officer at Alternative Banking Channel, BRAC Bank PLC; Ms. Taslima Begum, Sales Support Officer at Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd.; and Mr. Noor Nahian, Founder & President of the Bangladesh Wheelchair Sports Foundation.
- Disability-Inclusive Skills & Employment: Led by Mr. Albert Mollah, Executive Director of Access Bangladesh Foundation, this panel explored innovative approaches to workforce inclusion. Speakers included Ms. Shamarukh Fakhruddin, Director of Urmi Group; Dr. Sohrab Hossain, Executive Director of CRP; Md. Shahedul Alam, Chief Corporate & Regulatory Officer at Robi; and Ms. Amrita Rozario, Country Director of Sightsavers.
- Scaling Employment Solutions Across Sectors: Moderated by Ms. Mira Luoma, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Specialist at ILO, this session focused on public-private partnerships and sustainable strategies for scaling inclusive employment practices. Panelists included Mr. Constantinos S. Gavriel, General Manager of Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts; Mr. A.H.M. Noman Khan, Executive Director of the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD); and Mr. Sabbir Nasir, Managing Director of ACI Logistics Ltd. (Shwapno).
Key Takeaways and Commitments
Panelists and participants stressed that disability inclusion is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic advantage that fosters innovation and productivity. Key discussions highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, resource mobilization, and targeted training programs to scale inclusive practices. Attendees emphasized the need for accessible technologies and policies to empower persons with disabilities, enabling their active workforce participation.
The event concluded with an open floor discussion, where attendees made tangible commitments toward building an inclusive Bangladesh. A symbolic highlight of the event was the presentation of artwork by Mahi, an artist with autism, to the panelists, symbolizing the immense creative potential of persons with disabilities.
Showcasing Innovation and Creativity
The conference also featured ten vibrant stalls, showcasing products and services by and for persons with disabilities. From handcrafted goods by Ankur Handicrafts and Projapoti Crafts to tech solutions by Drishti Technologies Limited and Intelion Techbridge, these exhibits highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative potential of persons with disabilities.
Accessibility at Its Core
Accessibility remained a cornerstone of the event. Real-time sign-language interpretation, Braille schedules, and translation services ensured full participation by attendees with diverse disabilities. This thoughtful inclusion underscored BBDN’s commitment to creating equitable opportunities.
A Vision for the Future
Through “EmpowerAbility” BBDN has reaffirmed its mission to foster a society where the potential of every individual is recognized and valued. By breaking down barriers and forging cross-sectoral partnerships, the conference has set a benchmark for disability inclusion in Bangladesh, paving the way for sustainable and equitable development. As Bangladesh continues its journey toward inclusive growth, events like EmpowerAbility serve as a powerful reminder that true progress lies in empowering persons with disabilities.
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