BRAC Bank’s 2nd ‘EmpowerAbility 2025’ to accelerate 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 toward disability-inclusive growth.

The conference under BRAC Bank's flagship CSR initiatives 'Aporajeyo Ami' was held at Le Méridien Dhaka on November 11, 2025. It convened policymakers, corporate leaders, and development partners to turn dialogue into action through policy partnerships, corporate commitments, and inclusive employment practices, according to a press release.

Supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the event highlighted the strength 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; and 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. Representatives from the ILO, GIZ, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and private-sector champions were also present.

More than 50 organisations participated, including BRAC, Shin Shin Group, Team Group, ACI Logistics, Brand Forum, Bata, Sajida Foundation, Grameenphone, Akij Group, Mutual Trust Bank, Prime Bank, Eastern Bank, UNDP, and Save the Children, representing a cross-section of Bangladesh's corporate and development ecosystem committed to inclusion.

A key highlight was BBDN signing Memoranda of Understanding with the BGMEA and BKMEA. These agreements aim to embed disability inclusion within the ready-made garment sector—the nation's largest employer—by promoting accessible workplaces, inclusive recruitment, and industry-wide awareness.

Three panels explored the next frontier of disability inclusion: embedding accessibility into corporate culture, developing inclusive employment pathways, and aligning private sector efforts with government policies. Leaders from Berger Paints, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, the Department of Social Services, the Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation, and development partners shared actionable strategies to strengthen institutional frameworks.

Speaking at the event, Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said, "Inclusion is one of BRAC Bank’s prime pillars and it is not limited to financial inclusion only; it encompasses a wider area including gender inclusion, disability inclusion and broader social inclusion. We must realise that 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 highlighted collective responsibility: "The private sector must move from intent to implementation. BBDN will continue working hand in hand with industry leaders to make disability inclusion integral to business strategy in Bangladesh."

Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyanreaffirmed the government's role: "The government is committed to promoting disability inclusion across all sectors through policy support, institutional collaboration, and enforcement. These partnerships are critical to achieving a society where no one is left behind."

Brig. Gen. (retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain stated, "Inclusion is a matter of justice. By eliminating structural and social barriers, we ensure accessibility. However, to achieve true inclusion, we must empower every citizen to contribute fully. Together, we can build a nation that recognizes and values every individual's ability."

The conference concluded with a unified call to action: strengthen cross-sector collaboration, institutionalise inclusive employment, and drive policy advocacy to ensure equitable participation for persons with disabilities.