A cross-party Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Rights is set to be formed with lawmakers from four political parties, creating a dedicated platform in the 13th National Parliament to push disability-inclusive legislation and budgets, scrutinise government commitments and strengthen the political representation of persons with disabilities.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit MP has unanimously been chosen as chairman of the proposed caucus, while BNP Standing Committee member and MP Selima Rahman and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Women’s Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddiqua MP will serve as deputy chairs.
The commitments came at a High-Level Consultation on the Formation of a Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Rights, jointly organised by Sightsavers’ Equal Bangladesh Campaign, Democracy International and the Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organization (BERDO) in Dhaka.
The proposed caucus would advocate for disability-inclusive legislation and adequate budget allocations, expedite and monitor implementation of existing laws, government commitments and election manifestos of political parties, and bring disability concerns into the work of ministries and parliamentary standing committees.
It would also establish regular engagement between lawmakers and persons with disabilities, Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society and development partners, giving those directly affected by disability-related barriers a stronger voice in policymaking.
Speakers highlighted persistent barriers in education, employment, healthcare, transport, social protection and public services, while also calling for accessible elections and digital services.
A keynote presentation by independent researcher Dr Nafeesur Rahman called for a shift from viewing persons with disabilities as recipients of charity to recognising them as rights-holders and part of human diversity.
He said the caucus should monitor implementation of disability laws and election manifestos declared by the political parties, and ensure disability inclusion is reflected in national budgets, surveys, policies, and legislation.
“Disability is not about inability, but the barriers society creates. Persons with disabilities need equal rights, access and opportunities, not charity or sympathy. The proposed parliamentary caucus can bring disability issues into every ministry and parliamentary standing committee. The caucus can act as a pressure group in the Parliament eliciting healthy debates amongst the parliamentarians to advance the rights of persons with disabilities.” | |
“Disability inclusion must begin at the family and grassroots levels. Allowances alone are not enough; persons with disabilities need education, skills and opportunities. We must change attitudes, properly implement existing laws and ensure the caucus brings their concerns to Parliament to build an inclusive, discrimination-free society.” | |
“Persons with disabilities are citizens entitled to full rights, dignity and opportunities. With proper education, skills and employment, they can become self-reliant and contribute to society. The government and society must remove discrimination and create an inclusive environment. I endorse the parliamentary caucus.” | |
“Parliamentary caucuses must be active and action-oriented, not exist in name only. The caucus should develop clear action plans consulting with disability rights organisations and ensure accountability, accessibility and protection from abuse, particularly for women with disabilities. Strong political commitment and coordinated action can make it an effective platform.” | |
“We must first change our mindset towards persons with disabilities. No child with a disability should be hidden or treated as a burden. Equal access to education, employment and vocational training, particularly in rural areas, requires sustained commitment and action. With proper opportunities, persons with disabilities can become economically independent and contribute equally to society.” | |
“Today’s discussion has changed my perspective on disability rights. I have seen the challenges persons with disabilities face, including helping someone regain a job after unfair dismissal. I strongly support the caucus and am committed to raising their concerns in Parliament.” | |
“Today’s discussion has been deeply moving. As an opposition MP, I assure you that we will raise our voices for the rights of persons with disabilities in Parliament and through our respective standing committees. Their struggles and determination strengthen our commitment to addressing the challenges they face.” | |
“Disability rights are not a matter of charity or sympathy but fundamental constitutional rights. ‘Nothing about us without us’ must guide our approach. Persons with disabilities deserve equal access to education, skills, employment and opportunities. I am committed to raising their voices through the parliamentary caucus and working for an inclusive society.” | |
“Persons with disabilities have been overlooked in efforts to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. They are an integral part of society and deserve equal opportunities, not charity. Parliament must become their voice and ensure their rights to education, employment and participation.” | |
“Disability can occur at any stage of life. We must prioritise education, skills and employment so persons with disabilities can become financially independent, alongside social protection. Increasing disability allowances should also be considered, while qualified persons with disabilities must receive appropriate opportunities.” |
“Disability inclusion must begin with families and communities. Girls with disabilities often face additional barriers and fewer opportunities. Every child with a disability must have access to appropriate education, while safe transport, social security and protection from sexual harassment require coordinated action by the state, society and families.” | |
“Disability allowances need to be increased, as persons with disabilities often face higher healthcare, mobility and living costs. Through the parliamentary caucus and relevant ministries, greater attention should be given to our financial needs and social protection.” | |
“Disability inclusion in political decision-making is about constitutional rights, dignity and equal citizenship, not charity. Bangladesh needs effective implementation of disability laws, disability-responsive budgeting, accountable policymaking and meaningful representation. The caucus can keep disability issues visible in Parliament and reflected in national policies and budgets.” | |
“Many persons with disabilities are of voting age, yet only a small number can effectively exercise their voting rights. Political parties and parliamentarians must pay greater attention. The caucus can ensure their voices and rights are reflected in political decision-making and make disability inclusion part of the democratic agenda.” | |
“Bangladesh has disability rights laws and committees, but they must function effectively. The caucus can bridge the gap between disability organisations and parliamentarians, strengthen political representation and ensure disability rights are reflected in policies, budgets and electoral processes.” | |
“A caucus on disability rights can make signification contribution in advancing our rights, and Bangladesh has the example of a functional caucus on disability rights in 2009. Based on that experience, the caucus will require a secretariat for which Sightsavers is the most suitable organisation. Regular meetings and sustained engagement will be essential to make the caucus effective and keep disability rights on the parliamentary agenda.” | |
“Employment remains a major challenge for persons with visual disabilities. The caucus should advocate for employment and ensure every law and bill considers disability rights. Inclusive education, accessible facilities, trained teachers and learning materials are also essential. With no direct representation in Parliament, the caucus should serve as their voice.” | |
“We must shift from treating persons with disabilities as objects of charity to recognising them as rights-holders and part of human diversity. This rights-based approach must begin in Parliament. The caucus should monitor disability laws and ensure disability inclusion in national budgets, surveys, policies and legislation.” | |
“Disability cannot be treated solely as the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Welfare. It must be incorporated into every ministry’s work and budget. Greater attention is also needed to disability-inclusive disaster preparedness and to ensuring persons with disabilities are included across public services and development programs.” | |
“Committees under the disability rights act are not functioning effectively. The caucus can bridge the gap between parliamentarians and persons with disabilities and advocate for political representation and accessible elections. Accessibility, including at polling centres, must be treated as a matter of dignity and rights.” |
“‘Nothing about us without us.’ Persons with disabilities must participate in decisions affecting them. Accessibility goes beyond ramps and lifts to digital services. Many visually impaired people cannot independently use banking apps or government software because they are incompatible with screen readers or accessible CAPTCHA. Parliament must ensure accessible laws, policies and digital services.” | |
“The caucus is essential because persons with disabilities have very limited representation in Parliament and policymaking. It must ensure meaningful participation of women, men, young people and experienced persons with disabilities, while addressing barriers involving quotas, transportation and accessibility so they can participate equally in public life.” | |
“There are many persons with disabilities who are educated but unemployed though many posts are vacant in various ministries including in the Ministry of Social Welfare.” | |
“Political parties, the larger and smaller ones, are not willing to include us. I think we should have a political party of our own otherwise the government does not want to listen to us!” |
The following speakers made significant contributions in the consultation: Morjina Ahmed, Executive Director, Disabled Welfare Society, Md Jahangir Alam, Senior Coordinator, CDD, Nasrin Jahan, Executive Director, Disabled Child Foundation, Litan Baruri Movement Liaison, ADD International, Nayem Mollah, Communications & Admin Officer, BBDN, Kabery Sultana Jyoti, Youth Champion, Equal Bangladesh Campaign, Sharmin Akbari Specialist, Disability Inclusion, BRAC, Aminul Arifeen, Programme Manager, SSPS, UNDP, Asim Dio Advocacy & Networking Specialist, UNDP, Sarder A Razzak, Chairman, Down Syndrome Society of Bangladesh, Md Abdullah, Person with Hearing and Speech Impairment, Md Antaj Ali, Director, Manikganj DPOD, Md Mohsin, Captain, Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Team, Khondoker S Rana, Advocacy & Communications Coordinator, Sightsavers, and Adhara Das, Campaign Officer, Sightsavers The consultation was moderated by: Ayon Debnath Campaign Adviser, Sightsavers Lipika Rani Biswas Senior Director-Program, Democracy International |