State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit has announced that the existing Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act will be amended through consultations with persons with disabilities and the organizations representing them. He said that under the current government’s election commitments, disability issues are no longer confined solely to the Ministry of Social Welfare; rather, they are being treated as an integral part of the government’s broader development and inclusion agenda.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a national dialogue titled “Towards an Inclusive Bangladesh: Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Way Forward,” held on Saturday (June 27) at the BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The dialogue was jointly organized by BRAC and the Bangladesh Society for Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-SCAN).

The State Minister said the government has undertaken several initiatives over the past four months to promote the rights and development of persons with disabilities. Building an inclusive Bangladesh is part of the government’s political commitment. To fulfill its electoral promises, both the public and private sectors must work together. Measures are also being taken to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the programs and initiatives of all ministries. Emphasis is being placed on creating suitable working environments for persons with disabilities who are capable of employment.

He further stated that a Steering Committee on Disability Rights and Service Protection has recently been formed under the leadership of the Prime Minister. State ministers from various ministries are serving as members, and he is acting as the committee’s vice-chair. In addition, another committee comprising secretaries from relevant ministries has been established to oversee the implementation of the steering committee’s decisions.

Gaps in Rights Implementation

The dialogue was chaired by Shashwati Biplob, Associate Director of BRAC’s Social Empowerment, Law and Protection, and Gender Justice and Diversity programmes. She noted that much work remains to be done to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. Passing laws alone is not enough; effective implementation must also be guaranteed. She said the government’s electoral commitments and recent initiatives send a positive message in this regard.

The keynote paper was presented by Zahidul Kabir, Lead of Disability Inclusion under BRAC’s Gender Justice and Diversification programme. He pointed out that Bangladesh lacks reliable statistics on disability. Although the law was enacted in 2013, many of its provisions have yet to be effectively implemented. While 35 ministries and divisions were assigned responsibilities under the approved action plan, actual progress has been limited. Insufficient budget allocations and weak accountability among responsible authorities remain major obstacles to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream society.

Call for Inclusive Policies

Speakers at the discussion emphasized that persons with disabilities face social prejudice, environmental barriers, and institutional obstacles at every stage of life. To build a truly inclusive Bangladesh, their experiences and opinions must be placed at the center of policymaking and implementation.

The speakers also called for the establishment of a dedicated directorate to coordinate disability-related activities across different ministries and government departments. They further demanded amendments to the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, stronger implementation of the law, and greater accountability among those responsible for carrying it out.

Among the participants were Arindam Dhar, Senior Director of BRAC’s Microfinance and Technology Division, representatives of various development organizations, members of disability rights organizations from different parts of the country, and university students with disabilities. The event was moderated by Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of B-SCAN. The welcome address was delivered by Masuma Billah, Programme Head of BRAC’s Gender Justice and Diversity Programme.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive Bangladesh and has initiated efforts to amend the disability rights law based on the views and experiences of persons with disabilities.