BRAC Bank, BBDN host ‘EmpowerAbility 2025’ to promote inclusive growth

BRAC Bank, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), hosted "EmpowerAbility 2025: Powering Every Ability" to accelerate Bangladesh's transition towards disability-inclusive growth.

Held under BRAC Bank's flagship CSR initiative Aporajeyo Ami at Le Méridien Dhaka on 11 November 2025, the conference brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, and development partners to turn dialogue into action through policy partnerships, corporate commitments, and inclusive employment practices.

Supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the event underscored the power of cross-sector collaboration in creating equitable opportunities for all.

The conference featured Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as Chief Guest; Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank; Ardashir Kabir, Chairman of the BBDN Board of Trustees; Jürgen Menze, Disability Inclusion Specialist of ILO's Global Business and Disability Network; and Juergen Schilling, Country Director of GIZ Bangladesh.

Over 50 organisations participated, including BRAC, ACI Logistics, Grameenphone, Team Group, Shin Shin Group, Akij Group, Bata, Sajida Foundation, Brand Forum, Prime Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, Eastern Bank, UNDP, and Save the Children, representing a broad coalition of corporate and development stakeholders committed to inclusion.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of MoUs between BBDN, BGMEA and BKMEA to embed disability inclusion within the ready-made garment sector, promoting accessible workplaces, inclusive recruitment, and industry-wide awareness.

Three panel discussions explored the next phase of inclusion—mainstreaming accessibility in corporate culture, developing inclusive employment pathways, and aligning private sector initiatives with government policies.

Speaking at the event, Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said, "Inclusion is not charity; it is the foundation of a sustainable economy. Through Aporajeyo Ami, BRAC Bank is building bridges between business and social good, proving that empowering every ability empowers the nation itself."

Ardashir Kabir added, "The private sector must move from intent to implementation. BBDN will continue to work with industry leaders to make disability inclusion integral to business strategy."

Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting disability inclusion through policy and institutional collaboration, while Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain said, "Inclusion is a matter of justice. By eliminating barriers, we empower citizens to contribute fully."

The conference concluded with a unified call to institutionalise inclusive employment, strengthen policy advocacy, and expand public–private partnerships to ensure equitable participation for persons with disabilities across Bangladesh's workforce.