With discussions around the national budget amplifying, disability inclusion has rightfully been placed on the agenda, which is a welcome first step.
However, the real test lies in whether words translate into action.
For too long, persons with disabilities have been promised support, yet left behind in practice. The government must now recognize that inclusion is not charity but a core responsibility of governance.
Bangladesh has millions of citizens living with disabilities who continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and mobility.
Public infrastructure remains largely inaccessible, workplaces rarely accommodate, and social stigma only compounds this exclusion.
Despite commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, progress has been insufficient, to say the least.
Budgetary allocations must therefore go beyond token gestures. Disability inclusion requires investment in accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, inclusive education, and targeted employment programs.
It also means ensuring that healthcare services are designed to meet diverse needs and enforcing anti‑discrimination laws so that persons with disabilities are not excluded from opportunities that others take for granted.
The government has a duty to act for the good of the entire country. It is when marginalized communities are included that society as a whole strengthens.
When persons with disabilities are empowered, they contribute to the economy, enrich communities, and enrich our democratic potential. Neglecting them goes beyond injustice and robs our nation of their human potential.
The upcoming budget therefore must reflect that the government understands this duty. Disability inclusion is not optional. It is a measure of our humanity, our governance, and our progress.
Bangladesh cannot claim to be people‑oriented if millions of its citizens remain invisible and left behind.
