BASIS, VIPS Unite to Boost Digital Inclusion for the Visually Impaired
The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and the Visually Impaired People’s Society (VIPS) have jointly organised a national-level stakeholder workshop to ensure digital inclusion for the visually impaired community.
Held at the BASIS Auditorium on Tuesday, 9 December, the workshop was supported by CBM Global and attended by nearly 200 visually impaired participants from across the country.
As chief guest, Abul Khair Mohammed Hafizullah Khan, Joint Secretary of the Local Government Division and Administrator of BASIS, opened his remarks by honouring the participants, saying, “My salute to all of you.”
He added, “Bangladesh belongs to everyone, and building this country is everyone’s responsibility. There is no room to fall behind. BASIS is committed to enhancing the skills of those with potential in the ICT sector. The extraordinary IT skills, knowledge and determination demonstrated by the visually impaired individuals present here truly inspire us. I believe all challenges can be overcome through your capabilities, and you have the potential to make new history in the tech sector.”
Emphasising inclusive development in nation-building, he said, “Creating an inclusive society is not only a moral duty but also a major step toward achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).”
Former VIPS President, Ekushey Padak recipient and BERDO Executive Director Md. Saidul Haque stated, “Building an accessible digital environment is now a necessity. The possibilities for visually impaired individuals in technology are limitless. With proper guidance and opportunity, they can make significant contributions to the country’s economy.”
VIPS President Advocate Md. Mosharraf Hossain Mazumder remarked, “Inclusive digital access is not just a social duty; it is a cornerstone of national development. BASIS’s initiative will play a vital role in empowering the visually impaired community.”
Members of the BASIS Support Committee—including Rowshan Kamal James, Ferdous Alam, and Engineer Md. Jewel—also participated. In their joint comments, they said, “The way visually impaired youth are acquiring IT skills is opening new horizons in the country’s tech sector. BASIS will continue supporting them in skill development, training and employment.”
Speakers further stressed that establishing digital accessibility at the policy level and creating inclusive work environments should now be a national priority.
DBTech/IHA/EK/OR
