Speakers at BRAC’s discussion on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities emphasised that supporting persons with disabilities to realise their potential is a responsibility shared by all. The day was observed by BRAC’s Gender Justice and Diversity Programme with the participation of over a hundred children with disabilities and their parents.
The event was held on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali. It featured a panel discussion and a children’s drawing session. Cultural performances were presented by children with disabilities from different regions of the country. An exhibition showcased their handmade crafts and food items, alongside a display of essential assistive materials. Counselling services were also provided for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on 3 December. Declared by the United Nations, this day has been celebrated worldwide since 1992. This year’s theme is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.
The event began with a panel discussion. Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director of People, Culture and Communications at BRAC, said, ‘Persons with disabilities constantly have to struggle in society. They face insults, disrespectful behaviour, and numerous barriers. Often, it is we who create these obstacles. This mindset must change. Respect for everyone, including persons with disabilities, must be taught at home, in schools, and in the workplace. It is the responsibility of all of us to create pathways for persons with disabilities to realise their potential.’
She added, ‘Currently, 264 persons with disabilities are employed at BRAC. Ensuring an accessible, appropriate, and respectful work environment is a priority for us.’
Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC’s Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme, said, ‘Society still has a long way to go to ensure equality for persons with disabilities. Many times, we overlook their needs. Persons with disabilities have ample opportunities to contribute to society. Everyone must step forward to support the development of their capabilities.’
Shashwatee Biplob, Associate Director of BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection and Gender Justice and Diversity Programme, noted, ‘Working on disability inclusion comes with various challenges. Everyone has some limitations. However, the mentality of excluding persons with disabilities from society because of their limitations must not exist.’
The discussion also included Jarin Tasnim Fatiha, a student of BRAC’s Neuro Developmental Disability (NDD) Centre, and her mother, Rozina Sardar. Rozina shared her experience raising a child with disabilities, saying, ‘We faced a lot of insults. I could not find a special school for Tasnim in Khulna. Then I discovered BRAC’s NDD Centre. Since joining, she has made remarkable progress.’
Currently, 119 students are enrolled at the NDD Centre, and 244 students have graduated. BRAC’s Swapnosarothi programme works to enhance skills and empower adolescent girls. It currently engages 300 girls with disabilities across its programmes in 31 districts.
The event was moderated by Md Intaj Ali, Manager of BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Programme. Other speakers included BRAC’s Mohammed Mosharef Hossain Bhuiyan and Swapnosarothi member Mim Jannat.
