Empowering Change: Integrating Disability Inclusion in Smart Bangladesh highlighted
Smart Bangladesh Network (SBN) in collaboration with Equal Bangladesh Campaign, Sight Savers, a2i, Idea Foundation, Bangladesh Brand Forum and Intercontinental Dhaka organized an important policy meeting on Thursday, 23 May, titled “Empowering Change: Role of Caucus for Disability Inclusion in Smart Bangladesh”. The event, held at InterContinental Dhaka's Crystal Ballroom, brought together key stakeholders to discuss disability inclusion in the National Smart Bangladesh Agenda by 2041.
The policy meeting “Empowering Change: Role of Caucus for Disability Inclusion in Smart Bangladesh” was an important event, as it discussed the need for inclusion for the country's ambitious 2041 Vision. As Bangladesh transforms into a smart nation, it is of utmost importance that people with disabilities are moved forward rather than left behind. The event provides an important platform for stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and strategize on integrating disability inclusion into national policies and development plans.
The event was attended by 200 participants, including politicians, government officials, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and journalists. The chief guest of the event was Md. Abul Kalam Azad, MP. Senior Secretary of Bangladesh Parliament K.M. Abdus Salam; Secretary of Information and Communication Technology Division Md. Shamsul Arefin; Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mokammel Hossain; and Amrita Regina Rosario, Country Director of Sight Savers were present as special guests. The event was presided over by a2i Joint Project Director (Joint Secretary) Molla Mizanur Rahman.
Policy dialogues were followed by informative presentations and discussions. The session was moderated by Mr. Manik Mahmud, Program Specialist Innovation a2i and Executive Member of Smart Bangladesh Network. The agenda included discussions on the challenges, achievements and possibilities of making Smart Bangladesh inclusive in terms of disability innovation.
While speaking, the Sight Savers Bangladesh Country Director, Miss Amrita Regina Rosario said, “We must revitalize and empower this caucus to achieve a Smart Bangladesh. Parliamentarians can make significant progress in addressing the existing challenges and future needs of the Disability Caucus sector.”
Highlighting the government's commitment, Secretary of Information and Communication Technology Division Md. Shamsul Arefin said, “Integrating disability inclusion into our national agenda is not just a necessity but a moral responsibility. We are committed to making Smart Bangladesh accessible to all.”
Chief guest Md. Abul Kalam Azad, delivered a powerful closing speech, in which he reiterated the government's vision. “By 2041, we envision a Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of their ability, can benefit from and contribute to the progress of the nation. Today's dialogue is an important step towards achieving that goal."
Bangladesh Parliament Senior Secretary K.M. Abdus Salam commented, “This dialogue is proof of our commitment to building an inclusive society. Our policies must reflect the diversity and strengths of all our citizens." Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Md. Mokammel Hossain added, “Accessibility is the key to empowerment. We are working to make all public services, including aviation, fully accessible to individuals.”A2I Joint Project Director Molla Mizanur Rahman said, “Innovation in policy and implementation is essential to drive the inclusion agenda. Today's discussions will provide valuable insights to guide our future initiatives.”
The dialogue aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities to build an accessible and inclusive Smart Bangladesh, thereby reaffirming the commitment to equal opportunities and empowerment for all citizens. Insights from this event and collaborative efforts were crucial to drive sustainable and inclusive development, so that technological progress and social progress bring benefits to all.
The policy dialogue concluded with a consensus on the need to establish a caucus, which will consistently engage in advancing the disability inclusion agenda and build Smart Bangladesh as a model of inclusiveness and accessibility.
