Govt, UN agencies and OPDs push for stronger disability-inclusive policies

Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to advancing disability inclusion as government leaders, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), UN agencies, civil society, youth representatives, and development partners gathered for the National Observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2025.

The event took place on 4 December 2025 at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, centred on the theme 'Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress'.

Jointly organised by the Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Programme of UNDP and Sightsavers' Equal Bangladesh campaign, with funding from the Australian Government and technical support from the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, ILO, UN Women, UNICEF, and WFP, the day-long symposium placed persons with disabilities—particularly youth—at the heart of discussions on rights, accessibility, and inclusive development.

Despite notable policy commitments in recent years, many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in education, employment, public services, and decision-making. This year's observance focused on closing these gaps through coordinated national action and concrete commitments.

Chief Guest, Sharmeen S. Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare, called for a strengthened national movement. She stated: 'Our society cannot be truly inclusive unless we fully consider the needs of persons with disabilities. Inclusion begins with accurate data, functional structures, and accessible systems.' She added that the national coordination committee will be activated.

James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director at the British High Commission, stated: 'The UK stands ready to partner with Bangladesh and like-minded agencies to make inclusion a reality. We truly believe we can build a future where every person with a disability is seen, supported, and celebrated.'

ILO Country Director, Max Tunon, emphasised the need for accessible and dignified employment pathways, stating that the ILO is committed to building a labour market where persons with disabilities are empowered to thrive.

UNDP's Deputy Resident Representative-OIC, Dragan Popovic, stated that UNDP remains focused on making inclusion tangible 'not just in laws, but in people's everyday lives'.

Other speakers included Tessa Murphy, Head of Global Campaigns at Sightsavers UK; Muhammad Hiruzzaman ndc, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the National Institute of Mass Communication; and Md Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General of the Department of Social Services.

The event opened with remarks from Amrita Rejina Rozario, Country Director of Sightsavers Bangladesh, followed by a joint keynote presentation by Aminul Arifeen, Project Manager of the SSPS Programme at UNDP, and Ayon Debnath, Campaign Adviser at Sightsavers. They outlined a strategic roadmap for disability inclusion for 2026–2030.

The symposium featured thematic sessions on decent work and social protection, inclusive education and community support, and accessible infrastructure and digital inclusion. Discussions generated actionable proposals to advance national reforms.

The event concluded with renewed commitments from government agencies, development partners, OPDs, and civil society to work collectively towards implementing the 2026–2030 roadmap and building an 'Equal Bangladesh' where no one is left behind.