Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN) in collaboration with Khulna Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a workshop on “Building a Disability Inclusive Workforce” at Chamber’s conference room on 16 April 2025.
The event, held under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Promoting Gender Responsive Enterprise Development and TVET System (ProGRESS) project, brought together local entrepreneurs, members of the Khulna chapter of the National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh (NASIB), and representatives from UCEP Bangladesh to discuss ways to foster greater inclusion in the workforce.
During the session, Ms. Murshida Akter, President of the Khulna Women Chamber, and Mr. Iftekhar Ali, President of NASIB Khulna, reaffirmed their strong commitment to creating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and called on others to do the same.
Ms. Aziza Ahmed, Director Operations at BBDN, and Mr. Tareq Mahmud, Deputy Program Manager at BBDN, shared insights into BBDN’s ongoing efforts to promote disability inclusion in employment and highlighted how disability inclusion can be ensured in the workplace.
Adding an important perspective on skills development, Ms. Mashreka Khan, National Program Officer (Gender and Skills Policy) at the ILO, highlighted initiatives under the ProGRESS project aimed at equipping persons with disabilities with market-relevant skills to enhance their employability. The workshop was moderated by Ms. Rubaiya Sultana, Senior Program Officer at BBDN.
Through initiatives like this, BBDN continues its commitment to promoting inclusive employment practices and raising awareness among local businesses across Bangladesh.