December, Bangladesh’s victory month, emerges as a profoundly significant month on the global calendar, standing as a sign for the victory of the rights and inclusivity of people with disabilities.
As Bangladesh forges ahead towards economic prosperity, it must confront a critical issue that has long been overlooked -- the realization of disability rights. Despite Bangladesh's early commitment as one of the first countries to have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), a glaring gap remains between rhetoric and action. The promises made in legislative frameworks, such as the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013, and its subsequent Action Plan on Disability, 2019 have yet to translate into tangible actions for people with disabilities.
The pioneering role Bangladesh played in ratifying the UN CRPD and active participation in its drafting process underscore the nation's commitment to the cause. However, the current state of disability rights in the country indicates a significant lapse in implementation. The Ministry of Social Welfare, designated to coordinate and monitor the execution of the Act and the National Action Plan (NAP) on Disability, faces accusations from both people with disabilities and their organizations, known as organizations of people with disabilities (OPDs) of insufficient efforts.
The Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013, envisioned as a beacon of hope, has fallen short of its intended impact. Despite being developed in the spirit of the UN CRPD, the law has encountered significant challenges in execution, leaving many of its aspirations unfulfilled till now. Societal attitudes and stereotypes persist, obstructing social inclusion and perpetuating discrimination and stigma against people with disabilities.
Political will and commitment are central to the success of disability rights initiatives. The national coordination and executive committees, along with district committees, play pivotal roles in leading and monitoring the tasks outlined in the Disability Act. Revitalizing these committees is essential, ensuring they deliver on expectations and actively contribute to the realization of disability rights nationwide.
The importance of political commitment, particularly in the lead-up to national elections, cannot be overstated. Political parties must prioritize disability rights, recognizing the cross-cutting nature of the issue and its impact on society's overall well-being.
Adequate budget allocation is paramount for the success of disability rights initiatives. The current 0.49% allocation to the disability sector in the national budget is insufficient. A substantial increase is necessary to fund accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, employment opportunities, and healthcare services.
Additionally, the role of the organizations of people with disabilities (OPDs) is critical in advancing these rights. Addressing their financial constraints and simplifying registration formalities are imperative to empower OPDs to effectively advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
Public transportation remains a major hurdle for people with disabilities. Allocating funds to make public transport accessible is crucial for promoting their mobility and independence. This not only requires financial commitment but also a concerted effort to incorporate accessibility features in transport infrastructure. Such measures will contribute significantly to the inclusion of people with disabilities in various aspects of societal life.
Disability disaggregated data is fundamental for effective policy formulation and implementation. The lack of awareness about the Disability Act among government officials is a significant barrier. A comprehensive awareness campaign is urgently needed to educate officials across ministries about the Act's provisions and the importance of their roles in delivering the rights for the people with disabilities.
Despite the government's focus on employment creation, it is unfortunate that policies such as the SME policy, national jobs strategy, and employment policy have overlooked the specific needs of people with disabilities. It is imperative to integrate disability considerations into these policies to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. A truly smart Bangladesh by 2041 requires smart citizens, and people with disabilities must be an integral part of this vision.
Even as the nation's budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 claims to prioritize the poor and underprivileged, a mere 0.49% is allocated to the disability sector. This budgetary allocation sends a disheartening message, especially when juxtaposed with a proposed monthly allowance of Tk850 for people with disabilities -- hardly reflective of the envisioned needs, equality, and inclusion.
The government's continued reliance on a charity-based approach, evident in inadequate budgetary allocations, perpetuates a cycle of dependency rather than fostering an environment where people with disabilities actively participate in society. For substantial change, a paradigm shift is imperative -- a shift that involves allocating sufficient resources, building institutional capacity, and enforcing the provisions outlined in the NAP on Disability.
The country’s fiscal budgets not only fail to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities but also lack the inter-ministerial coordination required for effective policy implementation. Unlike gender or climate change budgets, no dedicated budget exists for disabilities, despite the cross-cutting nature of the issue. Public transportation, education, employment, and healthcare services remain largely inaccessible, further deepening the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
The commitments made by the government at the Global Disability Summit in 2022 have been disregarded in the budget, reflecting a disconcerting trend. Stipends for students with disabilities remain stagnant, even as enrolment numbers rise, highlighting a failure to adapt to changing needs.
As the global community moves towards inclusivity and equity, Bangladesh must seize the opportunity to foster a society that empowers everyone. The current moment demands comprehensive and concerted initiatives, including accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and legal frameworks that protect the rights of people with disabilities.
If Bangladesh aspires to become a Smart Bangladesh by 2041 in its true sense, it must shed its charity-based approach and confront the challenges faced by people with disabilities head-on. The echoes of their demands must be heard and acted upon, as the true measure of progress lies not just in economic prosperity but in the inclusivity and well-being of all citizens.
The time for action is now, and only through collective efforts can Bangladesh transform its vision of a smart nation into a reality where everyone, including people with disabilities, can thrive.
Ayon Debnath is a development practitioner currently working with the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind-Sightsavers as Campaign Adviser. He can be reached at [email protected].
