Terming accessibility as an issue of economic investment, rights activists at an event called for taking necessary steps for ensuring equal access to digital services for all, including persons with disabilities, for the sake of the national economy.
They observed that digital accessibility is not only a matter of social justice or human rights; it is also an economic investment. By removing digital barriers, Bangladesh can bring more people into education, employment, entrepreneurship, and the wider digital economy, contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
They made the observations while addressing a policy dialogue titled ‘Digital Rights, Democracy, and E-Governance-Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities’ at The Daily Star Centre in the capital, jointly organized by Songjog Foundation and supported by DDI South Asia.
The event highlighted that Bangladesh ranks 100th among 193 countries on the UN E-Government Development Index but 108th among 137 countries on digital accessibility. A bilingual survey of 167 verified respondents with disabilities revealed that 96% have internet access, 87% use it daily, and 74% use assistive technology. Yet 61% find government websites difficult to use with assistive technology, rising to 69% among respondents with visual disabilities, while 44% are stopped by verification steps. In financial services, 86% use mobile or online banking, but 48% report difficulties.
Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Transparency International Bangladesh, attended as the chief guest, while Ahmed Javed Jamal, Founder and General Secretary of Songjog Foundation, chaired the event. Vashkar Bhattacharjee, National Consultant-Accessibility at a2i, and Shahidul Islam, Deputy Director of Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation, among others, spoke at the event.
Source: Print Edition Press Coverage (Metro) — September 2026