Like every year, this year too, the Global Accessibility Awareness Day was celebrated in Bangladesh with the theme ‘Technology will be accessible to all’. An awareness discussion meeting was held jointly organized by Aspire to Innovate-a2i and Friendship (Social Purpose Organization) at ICT Tower located at Agargaon of the capital on Thursday.
The Secretary of Information and Communication Technology Department was present as the Chief Guest in the event. Md. Samsul Arefin and Deputy Director of Friendship Ahmed Taufiqur Rahman were present as special guests. The Project Director (Additional Secretary) of a2i Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir presided over the event.
Since 2012, Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) has been observed worldwide on the third Thursday of May every year. The main objective of this day was to create awareness about inclusive digital accessibility for more than one billion people with disabilities worldwide. Out of this large number of disabled people, more than 1.6 million people live in Bangladesh. On the occasion of celebrating this day, a2i has already organized several seminars, consultation meetings; the main objective of which was to create awareness at all levels from policy makers to ordinary citizens.
ICT Secretary Mr. Md. Samsul Arefin emphasized the importance of providing inclusive digital services for disabled people in 2041 Smart Bangladesh. He said, we have already formulated an accessibility guideline; the realization of the dream of Smart Bangladesh will be possible only when a citizen-friendly inclusive digital government service system can be ensured for the citizens. All the websites and digital services of the ICT Division have been taken up within this year to make them accessible to all.
While speaking as the president, the Project Director of a2i Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir said that Bangladesh is moving forward together with the world in creating people-friendly digital services by ensuring the maximum use of technology. Our slogan is ‘Digital services accessible to all’. The a2i is in progress to make the existing website and digital services accessible to all strata of people, including backward communities and persons with disabilities. He highlighted various innovative activities of a2i’s Inclusive Digital Bangladesh. The project director of a2i requested to ensure accessibility in website, mobile app and digital services.
Ahmed Taufiqur Rahman, Deputy Director of Friendship, said that Friendship has been working for people with disabilities in remote areas, southern coastal areas and Cox’s Bazar. The friendship will fully support a2i in working together to implement inclusive services.
It should be noted that Aspire to Innovate-a2i, under the Cabinet Department and Information and Communication Technology Division and managed with the support of UNDP, has been conducting various innovative activities to build an inclusive and smart Bangladesh. The day deals with inclusive digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) accessibility, informing and opening doors of thought to all about digital technologies that assist people with various disabilities. By celebrating this day at the local level, people with disabilities can become aware of disability-friendly web, mobile apps and digital services. Also, public and private service providers are expected to gain awareness and motivation to make their respective digital services accessible.
The a2i’s National Consultant (Accessibility) Bhaskar Bhattacharya highlighted some accessibility websites and digital services in Bangladesh. Provided practical ideas on how a person with a disability can use digital services and websites with the help of assistive technology.
a2i’s Program Specialist Innovation Mr. Manik Mahmood conducted the event and senior officials of all related organizations including a2i and Friendship were present. The event highlighted the significance of the day with experts sharing their valuable views on the need for accessibility of web or e-services. Among others, representatives of selected public and private institutions providing important services to the government, representatives of various donor agencies, representatives of various banking and financial service providers and representatives of various print, electronic and online media were present in the event.