This year’s theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” resonates deeply with Bangladesh, a nation that has made strides in disability rights, but still struggles to dismantle systemic barriers and embrace a rights-based approach.
With the formation of the interim government, there is renewed prospect for a fresh beginning. Rooted in the spirit of anti-discrimination, the interim government has a unique opportunity to champion the cause of persons with disabilities and ensure that their rights are recognized and upheld as a national priority.
Rights over charity: A call for justice
The enactment of the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities (RPPD) Act 2013 was a landmark moment for Bangladesh, aligning the nation with global commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which it ratified in 2007.
The act established a framework for promoting equality, dignity, and inclusion for persons with disabilities. However, more than a decade later, progress has been slow, and the prevailing approach remains rooted in charity rather than rights. This outdated perspective perpetuates stigma and discrimination, undermining the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The interim government, with its strong anti-discrimination agenda, has the chance to break this inertia. Ending discrimination against persons with disabilities is not just a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. It is time for the country to adopt a rights-based approach that recognizes persons with disabilities as active agents of change and integral contributors to society.
To make meaningful progress towards advancing disability rights, the interim government should focus on the following areas.
Implementing the RPPD act 2013
The RPPD Act and its National Action Plan provide a robust legal framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. However, its implementation has been inconsistent and largely ineffective.
The National Coordination Committee, chaired by the Minister of Social Welfare, and the National Executive Committee, headed by the Secretary of Social Welfare, are mandated to hold regular meetings and develop action plans. Unfortunately, these committees have been dormant, hindering progress.
Revitalizing these committees should be a top priority for the interim government to ensure effective coordination and accountability.
Moreover, the National Foundation for the Development of Disabled Persons needs urgent strengthening. This includes allocating adequate human resources, including hiring officials with disabilities, and providing the necessary financial and technical support.
Transforming this foundation into a rights-driven institution can significantly enhance its ability to serve persons with disabilities.
Redefining ministry roles and responsibilities
One of the major challenges in advancing disability rights in Bangladesh is the centralized role of the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Disability is a cross-cutting issue that requires the involvement of multiple ministries. Yet, sectors such as education, health, and youth development often defer responsibility to the Ministry of Social Welfare, which lacks the capacity to address these diverse needs effectively.
For example, education for persons with disabilities should be managed by the Ministry of Education by ensuring that inclusive policies and practices are integrated into mainstream education systems; health services for persons with disabilities should fall under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure access to specialized care and rehabilitation; youth and sports initiatives should include persons with disabilities, led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, promoting their participation and inclusion.
Moreover, renaming the Ministry of Social Welfare to the Ministry of Social Justice or the Ministry of Social Development and Empowerment would also reflect a shift from charity to a rights-based approach.
This change in nomenclature and reallocation of responsibilities would ensure a more coordinated and effective response to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Disability is a cross-cutting issue that requires the involvement of multiple ministries
Advancing CRPD implementation and monitoring
Bangladesh’s commitment to the CRPD has yet to translate into consistent action.
Disability focal points were appointed in more than 45 ministries and agencies to ensure inter-ministerial coordination, but these focal points are no longer active. Similarly, the CRPD monitoring committee is defunct, leaving Bangladesh unable to fulfil its obligation to report progress to the CRPD Committee every four years.
Since its ratification in 2007, Bangladesh has submitted only one report, in 2017, tarnishing its reputation on the global stage.
The interim government should prioritize the reactivation of disability focal points and the CRPD monitoring committee. Regular reporting to the UN CRPD Committee will not only enhance accountability but also position Bangladesh as a responsible state in disability inclusion.
Introducing ministry-wise disability budgets
A ministry-wise disability budget is essential for ensuring targeted resource allocation and accountability. This approach, modelled after thematic budgets for gender, climate, and children, would integrate disability-specific initiatives across sectors.
For instance, allocating funds for inclusive education, accessible transportation, and disability-friendly healthcare would directly address the needs of persons with disabilities.
Again, a disability budget would also clarify the responsibilities of each ministry, promote inter-ministerial coordination, and enable effective monitoring. It is a practical step toward fulfilling the rights enshrined in the RPPD Act and the CRPD.
Upholding global commitments
At the Global Disability Summit 2022, Bangladesh made 11 commitments to advance disability rights in areas such as inclusive education, livelihoods, social protection, healthcare, and accessibility.
With the next summit scheduled for April 2025, the interim government should revisit these commitments and take concrete actions to uphold them. Delivering on these promises will not only benefit persons with disabilities but also enhance Bangladesh’s global standing.
Integrating disability into SDG reporting
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to leave no one behind, yet disability-related data and perspectives have been largely absent from Bangladesh’s Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs).
As the country prepares its 2025 VNR, the interim government should engage with persons with disabilities and their organizations to ensure that their voices are heard.
Including disability-related data and information in the VNR will provide a clearer picture of how the SDGs are benefiting persons with disabilities and identify areas for improvement.
Collecting disability-disaggregated data
Reliable data is critical for effective policymaking and programme design. Currently, there is significant discrepancy in disability-related data in Bangladesh, making it difficult to assess the actual number of persons with disabilities and their needs.
The interim government should therefore prioritize the collection of disability-disaggregated data, which will serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
A vision for an equal Bangladesh
By addressing the priorities outlined above, the government can lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society. If the interim government takes decisive action, it will not only fulfil its mandate but also inspire hope among millions of persons with disabilities.
The IDPD reminds us that inclusion is not just a moral imperative but also a practical necessity. Let this day be a turning point for Bangladesh, as the country recommits to amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and building a future that is truly inclusive and sustainable.
Ayon Debnath is a development practitioner and currently working with Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind-Sightsavers as campaign advisor in the capacity of a global staff.
