Staff Reporter:
Persons with disabilities need recognition, skills, and opportunities to break free from poverty and inequality, speakers said on Thursday.
The observation came at a workshop on lessons learned from the “Enhance Capacity and Reduce Poverty of Persons with Disabilities to Reduce Inequality (CPDRI)”, held at the Women’s Voluntary Association auditorium in the capital.
Chief Guest Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Social Services, underscored that reducing inequality against disabled persons requires enhancing capacity and honoring them as equal human beings. “They face challenges in different areas, but inclusive training and community involvement are vital to building their skills and dignity,” he said, noting that the project has already shown encouraging results.
“NGOs are doing wonderful jobs through effective models, sometimes better than government initiatives. We are ready to support such ventures to empower persons with disabilities, “he said.
The project, launched by Gram Bikash Shohayak Sangstha (GBSS) with support from the Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute (KODDI), has been running since May 2025 in Mohammadpur under DNCC and Maniknagar under DSCC. It will continue through October, directly benefiting 50 persons with disabilities and indirectly reaching 200 others, including caregivers and marginalized women.
Testimonies from beneficiaries reflected the project’s impact. One participant shared how she now sells shoes and earns a steady profit, while Kulsum and Moni Bala, both with disabilities, have become self-reliant by selling clothes and supporting their families.
Among others present were Manir Hossain, Additional Director of the Department of Women Affairs, and actor-social activist Madud Rana Mithu. The event was chaired by the Chairperson of GBSS Sajeda Banu.
