Recognition for GP’s inclusive sign language service

Grameenphone, the country's leading telecommunications provider, has received prestigious recognition in the 'Recognition for Accessible Service' category for its groundbreaking initiative 'SignLine'—a customer service solution in sign language designed for persons with speech and hearing disability.

This recognition highlights the company's commitment to inclusive and accessible communication.

The recognition was given at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) auditorium in Dhaka yesterday (May 15), marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme, UNDP Bangladesh, and Friendship (INGO) jointly organised the event. Tanveer Mohammad, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO) of Grameenphone, received the crest on behalf of the company. As the chief guest, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, attended the ceremony.

Since 2020, Grameenphone has been offering its innovative 'SignLine' service to make telecom support more accessible for persons with speech and hearing disability. The service lets users connect with customer care agents via American Sign Language (ASL) video calls. To enhance the experience, all agents at Grameenphone Experience Centres have undergone basic sign language training. As the first telecom operator in Bangladesh to launch such a service on a digital platform, Grameenphone has taken a pioneering step toward building a more inclusive digital future. Starting this year, 'SignLine' is expanding beyond telecom support to serve users in other communication needs, further reinforcing Grameenphone's commitment to accessibility for all.

Reflecting on the achievement, Tanveer Mohammad, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO) of Grameenphone, said, "We are honoured to receive this recognition for our SignLine service. At Grameenphone, we believe the digital world should be inclusive and accessible. Since its launch in 2020, SignLine has evolved to support not only persons with speech and hearing disability but also anyone in need of accessible communication. This acknowledgement by the a2i Programme, UNDP Bangladesh, and Friendship (INGO) reinforces our commitment to creating a more inclusive future and motivates us to continue empowering people with special needs."

Global Accessibility Awareness Day, observed annually on the third Thursday of May since its inception in 2014, aims to raise awareness about inclusive digital accessibility for people with disabilities. Celebrated worldwide, the day promotes developing and adopting accessible digital technologies—including websites, software, and mobile applications—to ensure equal access for all users.