A policy dialogue titled “Empowering Change: Role of a Caucus for Disability Inclusion in SMART Bangladesh” was held at the Crystal Ballroom in Dhaka’s Hotel InterContinental on Thursday.

Hosted by the SMART Bangladesh Network (SBN), in association with the Equal Bangladesh Campaign, Sightsavers, a2i, Idea Foundation, and InterContinental Dhaka, the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the integration of disability inclusion into the national SMART Bangladesh agenda by 2041.

The dialogue held significant importance as it addressed the critical need for inclusivity in the nation’s ambitious vision for 2041, said a media statement.

This event provided a crucial platform for stakeholders from various sectors to discuss and strategize on integrating disability inclusion into national policies and development plans.

The event was attended by 200 participants, including politicians, government officials, representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and journalists.

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Member of Parliament Md. Abul Kalam Azad was present as a chief guest at the event.

Special Guests included K.M. Abdus Salam, Senior Secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament; Md. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary of the ICT Division; Md. Mokammel Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; and Amrita Rejina Rozario, Country Director of Sightsavers.

The event was chaired by Mollah Mizanur Rahman, Joint Project Director at a2i (Joint Secretary).

The agenda included discussions on the challenges and achievements related to disability innovation and the prospects of making SMART Bangladesh inclusive.

Ms. Amrita Rejina Rozario, country director, Sightsavers Bangladesh, emphasised the necessity of revitalising and empowering this caucus to achieve the ambitious goals of a SMART Bangladesh. “To achieve the ambitious goals of a SMART Bangladesh, we must revitalise and empower this caucus. A rejuvenated parliamentarians’ caucus on disability can drive significant progress, addressing existing challenges and anticipating future needs in the disability sector.”

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Md. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary of the ICT Division, highlighted the government’s commitment, saying, “Integrating disability inclusion into our national agenda is not just a necessity but a moral obligation. We are dedicated to ensuring that SMART Bangladesh is accessible to all.”

Reiterating the government’s vision, MP Abul Kalam Azad, said “By 2041, we envision a Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of their abilities, can contribute to and benefit from the nation’s progress.”

“Today’s dialogue is a significant step towards realizing that goal,” he commented.

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