Persons with disabilities in Bangladesh have urged the government to increase the monthly disability allowance from Tk900 to Tk2,000 in the upcoming national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, citing rising living costs and inadequate social protection support.
A resident of Hemayetpur in Savar, Rasel—who was born with a physical disability affecting both legs—said even basic daily expenses have become increasingly difficult to manage on the current allowance.
He said his day often begins with a cup of tea and two biscuits, which must last him for most of the day due to financial constraints.
“With Tk30, you cannot even buy an egg and a banana now,” Rasel said. “Forget about buying medicine — even surviving on three simple meals a day feels impossible. Are we not citizens of this country? Does the government not understand the cost of our survival?”
Rasel’s situation reflects concerns raised by many persons with disabilities across the country, who say the current stipend is insufficient amid rising inflation.
Different disabilities, same financial strain
Beneficiaries say the cost of living varies depending on the type of disability, but the inadequacy of the allowance remains a shared concern.
Abdul Jalil, a person with a physical disability, said mobility-related costs significantly increase his monthly expenses.
“I need a wheelchair for mobility, and it requires regular maintenance. We often have to pay extra for transport because accessible transportation is limited. How many days can someone survive on Tk900 a month? Unless the allowance is raised to at least Tk2,000, many of us will remain effectively confined to our homes,” he said.
Sumi Akter, who is visually impaired, said additional costs for assistive support and daily living make the allowance insufficient.
“As visually impaired persons, we often need assistance or assistive technology for education and mobility. In the current market, half of the allowance is gone just by buying lentils and cooking oil. Do we not even deserve the basic right to live with dignity?” she said.
Mariam Begum, mother of a 10-year-old child with cerebral palsy (CP), said the current allowance barely contributes to treatment costs.
“Children with CP require special food and regular physiotherapy. We spend at least Tk7,000 to Tk8,000 every month. The government’s Tk900 allowance does not even cover three days of therapy. It feels more like mockery than support,” she said.
Rising inflation, unchanged allowance
Disability rights activists say rising prices of essential commodities have further widened the gap between needs and support, while the allowance has remained largely unchanged.
Mahbubul Munir, secretary general of SWID Bangladesh and president of Carers Alliance Bangladesh, said persons with disabilities face additional costs commonly referred to as the “cost of disability”.
“Inflation affects everyone, but persons with disabilities face extra expenses that others often do not,” he said. “Assistive devices, treatment, physiotherapy, caregivers, accessible transport, and special educational materials all add to their daily expenses. In today’s economic reality, the Tk900 allowance has become insignificant.”
Ashrafun Nahar Misti, executive director of Women with Disabilities Development Foundation (WDDF), said women with disabilities face heightened vulnerability.
“If there is no special allocation or increase in the disability allowance in the budget, women with disabilities will fall even further behind,” she said. “This allowance should not be viewed as charity or sympathy. It is part of citizens’ rights and the state’s responsibility.”
Call for inclusive budgeting
Rights-based organisations have called for a disability-inclusive approach in the upcoming national budget. Their key demands include increasing the monthly allowance to Tk2,000, expanding the number of beneficiaries, simplifying application and payment procedures, and boosting investment in healthcare, therapy, education, and accessibility.
Saidul Haque, executive director of Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organization (BERDO), said Bangladesh has both constitutional and international obligations to ensure social protection for persons with disabilities.
“Bangladesh is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The amount of support must reflect current economic realities,” he said.
According to the Department of Social Services, around 3.45 million persons with disabilities currently receive the allowance. The government plans to increase the number of beneficiaries to 3.6 million in the next fiscal year. However, officials say any increase in the allowance will depend on allocations from the Ministry of Finance and political decision-making.
As the budget announcement approaches, beneficiaries like Rasel say they are waiting with cautious hope that the current support will be revised to reflect rising costs and living standards.
