On 26 May 2025, the Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN) organized the Workshop on Citizen Rights Advocacy with Multi-Stakeholders with the support of International Labour Organization (ILO) and Global Affairs Canada under the Promoting Gender-Responsive Enterprise Development and TVET Systems (PROGRESS) project. The event was held at Royal Raj Hotel & Condominium in Rajshahi and was organized in collaboration with Protibondhi Nari Odhikar Bikash Sangstha and Access Bangladesh Foundation (ABF).
This initiative focused on advancing disability-inclusive skills development and employment, especially within the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems, bringing together representatives from TVET institutions, P.H.T Center Rajshahi, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Rajshahi, National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh (NASCIB) Rajshahi, Department of Youth Development, local NGOs, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and other stakeholders.
The workshop featured in-depth discussions on national disability data and employment trends, policy gaps in key frameworks like the National Skills Policy and Labour Act, and the situation in Rajshahi. Through interactive group work, participants identified advocacy priorities such as awareness, accessibility, and inclusive vocational training.
We thank all the participants and partners for their vital contributions in making this event meaningful and impactful. Together, we move closer to our goal: decent work for all, leaving no one behind.