On May 21, 2025, Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), in collaboration with the Dinajpur Women Chamber of Commerce and under the ILO-supported Promoting Gender Responsive Enterprise Development and TVET System (ProGRESS) project, organized a workshop titled Building a Disability-Inclusive Workforce at the BRAC Learning Center in Dinajpur.
The event brought together key stakeholders including local entrepreneurs, representatives from disability organizations, media, and civil society. Mr. Md. Shamim Kabir, Vice President of Dinajpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended the event as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by Ms. Jannatus Safa Shahinur, President of Dinajpur Women Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Md. Ashraful Alam, General Secretary of Uttaran Protibondhi Sangstha, delivered the welcome remarks, while Ms. Aziza Ahmed, Director Operations at BBDN, concluded the event with a vote of thanks. The workshop was moderated by Mr. Md. Tareq Mahmud, Deputy Program Manager at BBDN.
Key speakers included Mr. Azharul Azad Jewel, Vice President of the Dinajpur Press Club; Mr. Mohammad Mamun Sarkar, Advisor to the Women Chamber; and several active local entrepreneurs and advocates including Ms. Farhana Yasmin, Ms. Shamsun Nahar Roshni from Women Development Organization, and Ms. Azmira from Sabok Agro.
Participants emphasized that persons with disabilities often face barriers to entering the workforce, primarily due to societal attitudes and the lack of accessible learning and working environments. Speakers urged collaborative efforts from government, private sector, and civil society to create inclusive workplaces and enhance skills development for persons with disabilities.
BBDN continues to advance its mission across Bangladesh by fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and promoting inclusive employment practices that empower persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to the economy.