BRAC Bank, BBDN push disability-inclusive growth at ‘EmpowerAbility 2025’

BRAC Bank, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), recently hosted the second edition of 'EmpowerAbility 2025: Powering Every Ability' to accelerate Bangladesh's transition toward disability-inclusive growth.

Held under BRAC Bank's flagship CSR initiative 'Aporajeyo Ami' at Le Méridien Dhaka, the conference brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, and development partners to translate dialogue into action through policy partnerships, corporate commitments, and inclusive employment practices, according to a press rellease.

Supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the event underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in creating equitable opportunities.

Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, attended as chief guest alongside Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, secretary to the ministry; Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, managing director and CEO of BRAC Bank; Ardashir Kabir, chairman of BBDN; and Jürgen Menze, disability inclusion specialist of ILO's Global Business and Disability Network.

"Inclusion is one of BRAC Bank's prime pillars and it is not limited to financial inclusion only; it encompasses gender, disability, and broader social inclusion," said Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, MD and CEO of BRAC Bank.

Ardashir Kabir, chairman of BBDN, stressed collective responsibility: "The private sector must move from intent to implementation. BBDN will continue working hand in hand with industry leaders to make disability inclusion integral to business strategy in Bangladesh."

Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, reaffirmed the government's commitment, saying, "The government is committed to promoting disability inclusion across all sectors through policy support, institutional collaboration, and enforcement. "

Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain said, "Inclusion is a matter of justice. However, to achieve true inclusion, we must empower every citizen to contribute fully."

A key milestone was BBDN signing Memoranda of Understanding with BGMEA and BKMEA to embed disability inclusion in the readymade garment sector, promoting accessible workplaces and inclusive recruitment.

The event was supported by ILO and GIZ, and attended by representatives from over 50 organisations, including BRAC, Grameenphone, Akij Group, Mutual Trust Bank, Prime Bank, Eastern Bank, UNDP, Save the Children, and others.