Brac University’s School of General Education on Thursday hosted the world premiere of Breaking Barriers, a powerful documentary shedding light on the experiences and challenges faced by students with disabilities in Bangladesh's higher education system.
The film, directed by Brac University students Umma Maimuna, Atiqur Rahman Priom, Partho Chowdhury, and Tanvir Hasan, and executive produced by faculty member Dina Hossain, highlights the resilience of students navigating educational environments often not designed for accessibility.
Breaking Barriers follows the journey of Rahim Bhuiyan, a Computer Science and Engineering student, as he strives to succeed in a university system that presents significant infrastructural and societal hurdles for students with disabilities.
The documentary is part of a broader initiative by Brac University to empower young filmmakers and promote social justice through impactful storytelling, particularly in advocating for inclusive educational policies and practices.
The film also focuses on Brac University’s new campus, which is featured as a model of accessibility in Bangladesh.
Equipped with features that enable students with disabilities to move independently, the campus is a first among universities in the country to provide such inclusive infrastructure.
Breaking Barriers uses this model to advocate for a holistic approach to inclusivity—combining both accessible physical spaces and inclusive policies that support students with disabilities across the nation.
Following the screening, the filmmakers shared insights into their creative process, with Director Umma Maimuna discussing the logistical and emotional challenges of capturing deeply personal narratives.
Dr Samia Haque, dean of the School of General Education, concluded the event by reaffirming Brac University’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to education for all students, regardless of ability.
Breaking Barriers and the subsequent discussion underscored Brac University’s dedication to advancing inclusivity in higher education, setting a significant precedent for other institutions across the region to follow.