BRAC calls for collective responsibility in supporting persons with disabilities
Speakers at a discussion organised by BRAC on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities stated that supporting persons with disabilities to realise their potential is a responsibility shared by all.
The event was organised by BRAC's Gender Justice and Diversity Programme, with the participation of more than one hundred children with disabilities and their parents.
The programme, held on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, featured a panel discussion and a children's drawing session. Children with disabilities from various regions performed cultural presentations. An exhibition displayed their handmade crafts and food items, alongside essential assistive materials. Counselling services were also provided for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, declared by the United Nations, has been observed globally on 3 December since 1992. This year's theme is 'Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress'.
The event opened with a panel discussion. Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director of People, Culture and Communications at BRAC, stated that persons with disabilities continue to face insults, disrespect, and barriers created by society. She said that the mindset must change and respect must be taught at home, in schools, and at workplaces. 'It is the responsibility of all of us to create pathways for persons with disabilities to realise their potential,' she added. She noted that 264 persons with disabilities are currently employed at BRAC, and that ensuring an accessible, respectful work environment remains a priority.
Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC's Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme, stated that society still has a long way to go to ensure equality. He said that persons with disabilities have ample opportunities to contribute, adding that everyone must step forward to support their development.
Shashwatee Biplob, Associate Director of BRAC's Social Empowerment and Legal Protection and Gender Justice and Diversity Programme, stated that working on disability inclusion comes with various challenges, but exclusion due to limitations must not exist.
The discussion also included Jarin Tasnim Fatiha, a student of BRAC's Neuro Developmental Disability Centre, and her mother, Rozina Sardar, who shared the struggles her daughter faced before receiving support from the centre.
Currently, 119 students are enrolled at the NDD Centre and 244 have graduated. BRAC's Swapnosarothi programme, which works to empower adolescent girls, currently engages 300 girls with disabilities across 31 districts.
The event was moderated by Md Intaj Ali, Manager of BRAC's Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Programme. Other speakers included BRAC's Mohammed Mosharef Hossain Bhuiyan and Swapnosarothi member Mim Jannat.
