In a joint effort to advance disability rights in Bangladesh, Sightsavers’ Equal Bangladesh campaign partnered with the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) program to organize a Preparatory Workshop on the Social Protection Framework for Persons with Disabilities.
Held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka, the event is a significant step toward revising the country’s social protection system to ensure greater inclusion for people with disabilities.
The workshop, aligned with the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, gathered prominent disability rights activists, policymakers, and representatives from organizations of people with disabilities (OPDs).
Discussions centered on the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities and the need to incorporate inclusive programs into the national social security framework, which will undergo revision in 2026.
Azmul Haque, Director of the National Foundation for Development of the Disabled Persons (JPUF), attended as the chief guest, and Aminul Arifeen of UNDP delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the key thematic areas for disability inclusion, such as livelihood, inclusive education, accessibility, and the digital divide.
In her opening remarks, Amrita Rejina Rozario, Country Director of Sightsavers Bangladesh, pointed out that despite Bangladesh’s strong legal framework for protecting the rights of people with disabilities, implementation remains a challenge.
She reiterated Sightsavers’ commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act is enforced effectively.
Throughout the workshop, participants identified key challenges and provided recommendations, urging the Ministry of Social Welfare and JPUF to accelerate efforts in setting up disability committees and appointing disability focal points to ensure faster progress in achieving disability inclusion.
This workshop marks the first of two national-level events aimed at reshaping the country’s approach to social protection for people with disabilities.
The initiative represents Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of their physical abilities, has access to the support and services they need to thrive.
