A human chain was formed in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Monday, demanding that the upper age limit for entry into government jobs for persons with disabilities be raised to 35, alongside the introduction of sustainable and inclusive employment opportunities.
The program, organised by the Job-Seeking Disabled Graduates Council, began at 10:00am. Persons with disabilities, job-seeking graduates, students, and concerned citizens from different backgrounds joined the demonstration.
Speakers at the event expressed disappointment that while the general age limit for government job entry has been raised to 32, no separate and reasonable provision has been set for persons with disabilities. Previously, the age limit was 30 for general candidates and 32 for persons with disabilities. With the new limit set at 32 for all, they argued that increasing it to at least 35 for persons with disabilities is both justified and timely.
The organisation’s convener said persons with disabilities often face prolonged challenges from early life, including barriers in healthcare, rehabilitation, mobility, education, and social inclusion. Many begin schooling late or have to restart their education after acquiring a disability due to accidents or illness, resulting in delayed academic completion. As a result, they often become ineligible for government job applications due to age restrictions, which leads to frustration and uncertainty.
Job seeker Nadim Hossain said they had expected a more humane and realistic decision from the government. “Despite completing higher education, we remain uncertain about our future. We urge the authorities to raise the age limit to 35 and take immediate, effective steps to ensure recruitment opportunities,” he said.
Member Secretary Alif Hossain referred to constitutional provisions, including Articles 15, 19, 28, and 29 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which guarantee basic rights, equality of opportunity, special provisions for disadvantaged groups, and equal access to public employment. He also cited the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013, which ensures education, employment, and dignity for persons with disabilities. Despite these legal safeguards, he said, discrimination and exclusion persist.
We have been protesting for employment opportunities for the past eight years, but progress remains limited,” he said, urging the government to prioritize the issue.
Joint conveners Kamal Hossain and Raisul Islam stressed that beyond policy statements, concrete measures are needed to ensure inclusive employment, including increasing the age limit, introducing special recruitment systems, and creating disability-friendly work environments.
Shahinur Akter, a member of the organisation, highlighted the compounded discrimination faced by women with disabilities, urging special priority in employment policies.
From the human chain, the organisers placed four key demands: raising the job entry age limit for persons with disabilities to 35; ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for educated disabled graduates; formulating disability-inclusive recruitment policies in all sectors; and eliminating discriminatory structures and ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities.
The speakers warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they will announce more extensive programmes in the future.
