Ahead of the forthcoming election, Disability Rights Watch (DRW) and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) have called on political parties to guarantee the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities by setting aside a 2 percent quota in government positions, allocating budgets based on ministries, and fully enforcing current disability legislation.
During a press briefing in Dhaka yesterday, the organizations highlighted that despite Bangladesh’s endorsement of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the enactment of the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2013, the execution of these measures has been mostly stagnant, leading to the exclusion of millions from essential services.
Referring to estimates from the World Health Organization, they stated that nearly 15 percent of Bangladesh’s population, which is over 20 million people, live with disabilities. Failing to include such a substantial group renders inclusive development and democratic engagement unattainable.
The press conference, titled “Expectations of persons with disabilities from mainstream political parties ahead of the 13th national election,” was hosted by DRW in collaboration with Transparency International Bangladesh at its Dhanmondi office.
Dr. Nafeesur Rahman, an expert in disability inclusion, pointed out that the National Action Plan on Disability, adopted in 2019, remains unimplemented with no specific budget allocated for the sector. Committees for coordination as mandated by law seldom convene, and oversight and reporting mechanisms are feeble.
He criticized the government’s Rules of Business for centralizing most disability-related responsibilities under the Ministry of Social Welfare, limiting the involvement of other ministries. Dr. Rahman advocated for structural reforms involving the ministries of education, health, youth development, and women and children’s affairs.
Speakers emphasized that Bangladesh is lagging in fulfilling its international obligations under the CRPD, urging legal and policy reforms, the reinforcement of the national monitoring committee, and the development of a plan to address pending reports.
They highlighted the scarcity of disability-related data in the Sustainable Development Goals framework and called for the integration of disability indicators in national surveys and essential datasets.
Suggestions put forth by the organizations included reserved seats for individuals with disabilities in parliament and local government bodies, enhanced accessibility in education, health, employment, and transportation, increased disability benefits, and stronger backing for grassroots disability organizations.
Furthermore, they urged the Election Commission to conduct a public awareness campaign on facilities available for voters with disabilities.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, stressed that a truly fair election necessitates equal voting opportunities for all citizens, especially marginalized groups and individuals with disabilities. He underscored the importance of secure transportation and assistance for voters with disabilities.
He emphasized that all political entities should advance disability rights before, during, and after the election through action plans aligned with national and international commitments.
Amrita Rejina Rozario, country director of Sightsavers Bangladesh, highlighted the necessity of accessible polling stations, safe transportation for wheelchair users, safeguarding women from harassment, and ensuring continued disability inclusion post-election.
She urged the incoming government to address the lack of parliamentary representation for individuals with disabilities and take concrete measures to ensure their involvement in governance.
DRW member Md Jahangir Alam raised concerns about the uncertainty surrounding whether registered voters with disabilities can utilize postal or electronic voting methods. He also expressed worries regarding accessibility at polling stations, including the provision of assistive devices, caregivers, and interpreters.
The event also featured speeches from DRW President Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury, Member Secretary Khandaker Zahurul Alam, disability youth activist Md Abdullah, and Access Bangladesh Foundation Chairperson Mohua Paul.
