According to the National Survey on Persons with Disabilities (NSPD) conducted in 2019, 9.5% of the total population in Bangladesh experiences various forms of disability. Due to insufficient research in this area, individuals with disabilities have been denied their rights in the country.
Speakers at a recent roundtable discussion believe that the number of people with disabilities may be even higher, mentioning that the exact figure has often been omitted for political reasons.
The discussants advocated increased research focused on safeguarding the rights of disabled individuals.
In addition, they recommended revising existing laws, allocating budgetary funds for disability-related needs in relevant ministries, constructing buildings and restrooms that are accessible for disabled individuals, and training skilled volunteers to assist individuals with disabilities in areas susceptible to disasters.
The panellists addressed the topic during the roundtable discussion titled “Climate Change and WASH: Why Inclusive Solutions Are Important for People with Disabilities.”
The event was organized by World Vision Bangladesh in collaboration with the daily Samakal on Monday.
The project is named “Inclusive Pathways to Ensuring Climate-Resilient WASH in Bangladesh.”
The panellists included Paritosh Chandra Sarker, national coordinator for WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) at World Vision Bangladesh; Dr Md Nuhu Amin, associate scientist at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b); Saqib Huq, managing director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD); Md Shafiqul Islam, Asia regional director at ADD International; Salma Mahbub, general secretary of Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-Scan); Anika Rahman Lipy, assistant director at the Center for Disabilities in Development (CDD); Chandan Gomes, senior director of operations at World Vision Bangladesh; Abdus Sattar Dulal, executive director of Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS); and Rabeya Baby, staff reporter at the daily Ittefaq.
Abu Sayeed Khan, adviser editor of Samakal, chaired the event while Goutam Mondal, online in-charge of Samakal, conducted it.
At the outset, Dr Jane Wilbur, assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, presented the key findings from the icddr,b and World Vision Bangladesh’s research.
The research indicates that extreme weather events in Bangladesh have significantly impacted WASH services, with persons with disabilities being disproportionately affected. It says the destruction of 30% of water points and 13% of latrines has left nearly half of the disabled population unable to access alternative options.
If immediate measures are not taken, the existing disparities in WASH services for persons with disabilities are likely to worsen rapidly, it adds.
Dr Wilbur said it is crucial to revise and implement policies to safeguard individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of educating the public on how to assist disabled individuals during disasters.
It is essential to increase awareness regarding protective measures, especially for adolescents and women during menstruation, she added.
Samakal Adviser Editor Abu Sayeed Khan said infrastructure development is vital for the protection of disabled individuals.
He continued: "We are not prioritizing infrastructure development for the safeguarding of the disabled. For instance, persons with disabilities from low-income families are often overlooked and deprived of many rights. They require special attention. Furthermore, we must focus on improving coordination and execution of policies among government agencies."
"Collecting data on persons with disabilities is imperative," said World Vision Bangladesh’s Paritosh Chandra Sarker.
He added: "There is a lack of proper research on persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. Consequently, there is a need for more research, and data must be gathered.
“The absence of accurate research and information leaves many people with disabilities without benefits, as variations exist in the provision of services across different regions of Bangladesh. Therefore, community-level information should be collected regarding the types and numbers of disabled individuals in each area."
Shafiqul Islam, Asia regional director at ADD International, said: "Data concerning persons with disabilities is an issue not just in Bangladesh, but globally. The World Health Organization estimates that around 10% of Bangladesh's population has disabilities. The actual figure is likely much higher, but political reasons often keep it unreported.”
BPKS Executive Director Abdus Sattar Dulal said: "Research efforts tend to rely heavily on funding. Once funding ceases, so does the research.”
Meanwhile, Dr Nuhu Amin of the icddr,b said fewer than 1% of toilets in Dhaka are accessible to individuals with disabilities. “Although government budgets allocate funds for constructing accessible toilets, roads and buildings, this money is often spent on advanced technology instead."
ICCCAD Managing Director Saqib Huq said he believes that new policies and strategies are needed to protect the rights of disabled people.
“Government institutions should work together to protect the rights and safety of persons with disabilities and bring the systems under one umbrella,” he added.
Ittefaq Staff Reporter Rabeya Baby said: “Women consider removing their uterus as a solution to prevent physical disabilities in women in areas with saline soil. We have to take urgent steps to prevent this. We need to increase monitoring in these areas.”
