A mock polling station initiative aimed at promoting inclusive and accessible voting for persons with disabilities was held in Dhaka on Thursday, with the participation of 60 persons with different types of disabilities.
The initiative was organized by the Bangladesh Society for Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-SCAN), a women-led national organization of persons with disabilities, with support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). The event took place from 11am to 1pm at Shere Bangla Nagar Boys High School in Agargaon.
According to the organizers, the mock polling station demonstrated how an inclusive and accessible polling center can operate in practice, ensuring equal access for persons with diverse disabilities, as well as senior citizens and pregnant women.
Speaking at the event, B-SCAN General Secretary Salma Mahbub said that persons with disabilities often remain excluded from the electoral process due to physical, communication and information barriers. “This mock polling station shows that inclusive voting is possible with simple and practical arrangements. If such initiatives are replicated nationwide, persons with disabilities will be able to exercise their voting rights with dignity,” she said.
Bodiul Alam, executive director of Barisal Protibondhi Unnayan Sangstha and a visually impaired rights activist, said accessible polling centers are crucial for independent voting. “For many visually impaired voters, voting still depends on assistance from others. Inclusive polling arrangements can help ensure secrecy and independence in voting,” he said.
Abdullah, a participant with speech and hearing impairments, said communication barriers remain a major challenge during elections. “Providing sign language support and clear visual instructions can make polling centers more accessible for persons with hearing and speech disabilities,” he said.
Speakers at the event noted that while the Bangladesh Election Commission has taken several positive steps in recent years, further practical measures are needed to ensure fully inclusive elections for persons with disabilities.
Established in 2009, B-SCAN works nationwide to promote the rights, accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Organizers said the initiative aimed to raise awareness among election officials, policymakers and the wider public about disability-inclusive electoral processes.