Challenges of Accessibility in Employment and Our Way Forward

On the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025, B-SCAN organized a Facebook Live discussion on Thursday, May 15, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM, titled “Challenges of Accessibility in Employment and Our Way Forward.” The discussion highlighted that in the current context of Bangladesh, the lack of accessibility—particularly in transportation, infrastructure, digital platforms, and access to information—is one of the major barriers to employment for persons with disabilities. Despite having the necessary skills, these barriers significantly hinder their ability to achieve economic independence, affecting their role in family, society, and the state. While several national policies, such as the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020, the Road Transport Act 2018, and the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013, emphasize the importance of accessibility, the implementation remains slow. The speakers stressed that beyond policy formulation, effective implementation, increased awareness, budget allocation, and institutional accountability are crucial. The discussion offered valuable insights and recommendations for stakeholders across sectors and served as a platform to promote collective action for improving accessibility in the workplace and beyond. Dhrubo Alam, Deputy Transport Planner of Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority Shegufta Newaz, Architect and Urban Designer Sharlin Akhter, Assistant Program Manager, Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN) & Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of B-SCAN was present as discussant. The program was moderated by Mahfuzur Rahman Raqeev, Assistant Coordinator, B-SCAN