The Disability Challenges and Ways to Address them in Bangladesh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70357/jdamc.2024.v0802.07

Ahmed N1

Abstract

Historically disability has not received the importance it deserves, it was not taken seriously; it was a mere a healthintervention challenge. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adoptedon December 13, 2006, and opened for signature on March 30, 2007. Bangladesh signed the CRPD promptly in 2007.The 2011 national census found the disability rate 1.41 percent. As per the NSDP, among the children with disabilities,40.55% are attending primary education and 24.36% secondary education. Among persons with disabilities, age 15to 65 years, 27.21% have employment; 40.39% are males and 7.30 % are females; 61.65% persons with disabilitiesreceive general healthcare. There are five preconditions as foundational elements to address the rights of persons withdisabilities. They are i. equality and non-discrimination, ii. need to showing respect to the persons with disabilities, iii.the people with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same services and facilities as people without disabilities, interms of education, vocational training, clean water, sanitation, housing and health care iv. allocating necessary budgetfor PWDs and proper financial management and v. accountability and governance. In Bangladesh, the Community-Based Rehabilitation strategy is used by the government, non-governmental, and private organizations. Women andgirls and children with disabilities face a number of challenges in pursuing their education. An empowerment approachis needed in this respect and thus it is likely to contribute to eliminating stigma and discrimination against women andgirls with disabilities.

Keywords: Disability, persons with disabilities (PWDs), National Survey on Persons with Disabilities (NSPD).


  1. Monitoring and Evaluation Expert, Technical Assistance

    Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Dhaka


Volume 8, Number 2 July 2024
Page: 31-36