In the aftermath of the significant July uprising, a fresh wave of optimism and defiance swept through Bangladesh. It wasn’t just a plea for reform and justice, but a demand for a society where equality is not just an ideal but a fundamental principle. As we mark one year since these calls for change began echoing, an important question arises: what role do the 16 million individuals with disabilities play in Bangladesh’s evolving vision for the future?
Persons with disabilities in Bangladesh have long been the most marginalized and overlooked group in the country’s development agenda. This marginalization is not a result of their capabilities, but a consequence of our societal shortcomings—particularly the lack of recognition and protection of their rights by political leaders. With the national election on the horizon, political party manifestos must go beyond mere words and demonstrate a genuine commitment to placing disability rights at the core of their vision for inclusive progress.
Bangladesh made a significant commitment on paper by ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007, vowing to guarantee full rights for individuals with disabilities. Subsequently, various legal and policy frameworks were introduced, such as the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities (RPPD) Act of 2013 and the accompanying national action plan on disability. These initiatives mark a shift from a welfare-focused approach to one based on rights. The RPPD Act acknowledges persons with disabilities as equal citizens entitled to the same rights and protections under the law. However, despite this progressive legal framework, implementation has been slow, fragmented, and under-resourced, primarily due to a lack of strong political commitment.
Although the Ministry of Social Welfare leads efforts for disability inclusion, its efforts alone are insufficient. Disability impacts all sectors—education, health, employment, infrastructure, governance—mandating inter-ministerial coordination. Political parties play a crucial role in shaping policies, enacting laws, and setting public priorities. Their election manifestos represent a moral and political covenant with the people. Therefore, the inclusion of disability rights in these manifestos is not only a democratic imperative but also a litmus test of a party’s dedication to equality.
In the lead-up to the national election, political parties should take the following steps into account:
– **Legislative commitment:** Each political party should commit to enforcing the RPPD Act, with updates to ensure all government entities are held responsible for implementation.
– **Nomination of persons with disabilities:** Representation is crucial. Parties should pledge to nominate qualified individuals with disabilities as candidates for parliamentary and local elections to showcase their true potential in decision-making roles.
– **Establishing disability focal points:** Parties should each establish a dedicated disability focal point to coordinate inclusion efforts during and after the election campaign.
– **Formation of a parliamentary caucus on disability:** A commitment to establishing a bipartisan parliamentary caucus on disability to oversee policy implementation, influence legislation, and keep disability issues on the parliamentary agenda.
– **Adequate resource allocation:** Manifestos must promise sufficient financial and human resources for disability inclusion, covering accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, assistive technologies, and community-based rehabilitation.
– **Capacity-building for political leaders:** Senior party members should undergo orientation sessions and include mandatory disability inclusion training in party development programs.
– **Universal accessibility:** Pledges to maintain accessibility standards across public infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and transportation systems, guided by universal design principles.
– **Awareness and sensitization:** Commitment to public education campaigns combating stigma and discrimination, promoting the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
– **Strengthening institutional mechanisms:** Reactivating the national executive committee, national coordination committee, and district disability committees outlined in the RPPD Act, with ministries appointing clear roles and responsibilities for disability focal points.
– **Engagement with civil society:** Consulting disability advocacy groups and organizations of persons with disabilities in policy development and implementation.
– **Accessible campaigning:** Ensuring all campaign activities are inclusive, with accessible rallies, debates, manifestos, websites, and social media content.
– **Collaboration with the Election Commission:** Working with the Election Commission to guarantee people with disabilities can exercise their voting rights independently for a smooth, free, and fair election process.
The July 2024 uprising sparked discussions on injustice, economic inequality, and democratic responsibility. If this reformist spirit doesn’t translate into tangible improvements for marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, the movement’s impact will be incomplete. It’s time for political parties to exhibit leadership by promoting inclusivity across all societal domains. Let their election manifestos mark the beginning of transformation.