On 16 April 2025, the Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN) organized a Workshop on Citizen Rights Advocacy with Multi-Stakeholders in Khulna 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 Hotel City Inn, Khulna and was organized in collaboration with Bandhob Protibondhi Songstha 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, Department of Women Affairs, National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh (NASCIB), local 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 situation in Khulna—home to the country’s highest disability rate. 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.