Government officials, development partners and corporate representatives on Tuesday urged businesses to move beyond charity-driven CSR initiatives and invest in long-term disability-inclusive development for children and youth in Bangladesh.
The event, titled “Bridge the gap between CSR priorities and disability-inclusive development, with a specific focus on Children and Youths with Disabilities”, was organised by the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) in association with the Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), in partnership with Liliane Fonds and Dhaka Tribune, at Six Seasons Hotel in Gulshan.
The dialogue brought together representatives from government agencies, banks, industries, business associations, NGOs, development partners and organisations of persons with disabilities to discuss expanding CSR funding and partnerships for disability-inclusive development.
Speaking as the chief guest, Mostafa Kamal, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Social Welfare, said support for persons with disabilities requires a coordinated, multi-sector approach grounded in local realities. He stressed the need for proper data, tailored interventions, and collective responsibility among the government, the private sector, and development partners. He urged the corporate sector to contribute to the development of persons with disabilities.
Nazmul Bari, executive director of CDD, said disability inclusion is a rights issue, not a matter of charity. He highlighted that despite Bangladesh’s progress in economic growth, education, digital transformation and women’s empowerment, many children and youth with disabilities remain excluded from essential services. He added that CSR practices in Bangladesh are becoming more structured, with increasing focus on sustainability and ESG commitments. However, disability inclusion still receives limited attention and investment.
Special guest, Md. Modabber Hossain Bhuiyan, Joint Director of the Sustainable Finance Department at Bangladesh Bank, said the central bank’s CSR policy already allows banks and financial institutions to support persons with disabilities through sectors such as education, health, the environment, and Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation, as well as other sectors.
He added that Bangladesh Bank is encouraging financial inclusion, greater accessibility to banking services, and increased support for marginalised communities, particularly in remote areas.
Md. Nazmuj Sakib, Impact Group Member from Come To Work (CTW), Dinajpur, under the MAPinCBR project, supported by LF-CDD, called for dedicated CSR support for assistive devices, therapy services, skills development, and employment opportunities, stressing that inclusion should be driven by humanity, dignity, and equal rights.
S.M. Ali Hasnain Fatme, Program Manager of MAPinCBR at CDD said children and youth with disabilities continue to face stigma, limited access to services and higher living costs despite existing policies.
Murteza Rafi Khan, CEO, BBDN, called for stronger collaboration among corporates, NGOs and the government to ensure sustainable disability inclusion through long-term CSR initiatives.
Salahuddin Kasem Khan, CEO & Trustee Secretary, A.K.Khan Foundation, stressed the need for a rights-based approach and greater investment in rehabilitation, skills development, and employment for persons with disabilities.
Woyakimul Islam Refat, Impact Group Member, Ashraf Foundation (AF), Jashore, MAPinCBR project supported by LF-CDD urged stronger inclusion policies and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Johan Fredsted, Institutional Fundraiser at Liliane Fonds, Netherlands, said disability inclusion should be viewed as an investment in human potential, adding that collaborative CSR initiatives can create equal opportunities and contribute to economic growth and a more inclusive society.
