Rights activists have called for urgent measures to ensure equal access to digital services for persons with disabilities, describing digital accessibility as both a human rights issue and an economic investment necessary for Bangladesh’s inclusive growth.
Speaking at a policy dialogue titled “Digital Rights, Democracy, and E-Governance-Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities” at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka, participants said removing digital barriers could help bring more people into education, employment, entrepreneurship, and the wider digital economy. The event was jointly organised by Songjog Foundation and DDI South Asia.
Speakers emphasized that persons with disabilities account for 15 percent of the population. Providing proper digital devices, accessible platforms, and assistive training will enable them to contribute directly to national development. Survey findings presented at the dialogue showed that while 96 percent of respondents have internet access and 74 percent use assistive technology, 61 percent struggle with government websites and 48 percent face barriers in online financial services.
The session was chaired by Ahmed Javed Jamal, Founder and General Secretary of Songjog Foundation, with Monsur Ahmed Choudhuri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Transparency International Bangladesh, as chief guest. Vashkar Bhattacharjee, National Consultant-Accessibility at a2i, and Shahidul Islam, Deputy Director of Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation, also addressed the gathering.