Greater collaboration, inclusive policy needed

Discussants at a conference have called for strengthening cross-sector collaboration, making inclusive employment policy and promoting advocacy to ensure equitable participation for persons with disabilities.

BRAC Bank, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), hosted the conference titled 'Empower Ability 2025: Powering Every Ability', aiming to accelerate Bangladesh's transition toward disability-inclusive growth.

The conference was held under BRAC Bank's flagship CSR initiatives 'Aporajeyo Ami' at a city hotel on Tuesday.

It convened 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 highlighted the strength of cross-sector collaboration in creating equitable opportunities for all.

More than 50 organisations attended the event, where BBDN signed Memoranda of Understanding with the apparel sector trade bodies--BGMEA and BKMEA.

The 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 and Resorts, the Department of Social Services, the Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation, and development partners shared actionable strategies to strengthen institutional frameworks.

Jürgen Menze, Disability Inclusion Specialist of ILO's Global Business and Disability Network presented his keynote speech.

Speaking at the event, Tareq Refat Ullah Khan Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank 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."

Highlighting collective responsibility, Chairman of the BBDN Board of Trustees Ardashir Kabir said: "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."

Reaffirming government's commitment, labour secretary Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan said: "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."

Labour adviser 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."

Munni_fe@yahoo.com