Dhaka: Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, MP, has stated that ensuring equal access to digital services for persons with disabilities is one of the government's key priorities. He made the remark while addressing an event organized as part of the celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2026 today, said a ministry press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event, held at the BIDA Auditorium in Agargaon, was organized by Aspire to Innovate (a2i) with Friendship and Sightsavers as co-organizers. Faqir Mahbub Anam emphasized that accessible websites and apps have been developed with the principle that no one should be left behind. He asserted that all digital services will now be designed considering the needs of persons with disabilities, underscoring that this is viewed as a right rather than charity.
The minister highlighted the need for technology to align with people's needs, abilities, and diversity. He expressed the government's aspiration to use new technologies to integrate persons with disabilities more actively into the mainstream of society. Furthermore, he stressed the ICT Division's commitment to ensuring a dignified position for persons with disabilities through technology.
State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, MP, Sightsavers Country Director Amrita Regina Rosario, and Ayesha Taasin Khan, Senior Director and Head of Inclusive Citizenship Sector at Friendship, attended the event as special guests. Valerie Ann Taylor, Founder of Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), was present as the guest of honour.
Md. Abdur Rofiq, Project Director of a2i, delivered the welcome remarks, with ICT Division Secretary Quazi Anowar Hossain chairing the event. Accessibility consultant and visionary disability rights advocate Vashkar Bhattacharjee also spoke, while Abdullah Al Fahim, Head of Programme Management, moderated the event.
Farzana Sharmin emphasized the government's support for the growth of public and private institutions and innovative initiatives that contribute to digital accessibility. She noted the importance of ensuring universal accessibility to build an inclusive Bangladesh where all citizens, including persons with disabilities, can easily access digital services.
Quazi Anowar Hossain remarked that Bangladesh's digital progress will only be complete when every citizen can use digital services with dignity, independence, and equality. He called for coordinated efforts among government institutions, development partners, civil society, organizations of persons with disabilities, technology innovators, and the private sector to achieve this goal.
The event included visits to various stalls showcasing disability-friendly innovations. Faqir Mahbub Anam and Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, both expressed their appreciation for the innovations and highlighted the government's commitment to building an inclusive Bangladesh.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is observed worldwide annually on the third Thursday of May to promote ease of use and accessibility for persons with disabilities in websites, mobile apps, software, and digital services. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Marrakesh Treaty, Bangladesh is dedicated to ensuring digital inclusion, and digital accessibility is a focus under the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act and the government's policy priorities.