UNESCO Bangladesh Representative and Head of Office, Dr. Susan Vize, highlighted the critical role of mass media in promoting disability equality, urging society to judge people by their achievements—not their limitations—at a seminar held at the Liberation War Museum in Agargaon.
The seminar, titled “The Role of Media in Strengthening Disability Equality in Bangladesh,” was organized by SOMASHTE with support from UNESCO.
“People shouldn’t judge persons with disabilities by their limitations; they should be appreciated for their work ethics,” Susan Vize told the seminar.
Drawing inspiration from Stephen Hawking, she stressed that successful professionals with disabilities exemplify the importance of evaluating contributions over conditions. She called on media professionals to help reshape public attitudes by showcasing stories of empowerment and achievement
Noore Jannat Proma, Head of Media Development & Communication at UNESCO Dhaka, echoed the message of inclusivity, underscoring the need for diversity in newsrooms and accessible reporting. She specifically pointed out:
“Disability is still often seen as a negative issue… the desired level of sensitivity is still lacking in both the media and corporate sectors”.
Hasan Hafiz, President of the National Press Club, urged society to embrace and support persons with disabilities, lauding their industriousness. Meanwhile, cultural figure Dilara Zaman emphasized empathy and compassion for individuals with disabilities.
The seminar featured a distinguished panel, including Attaqui Masruruzzaman, Executive Director, SOMASHTE, Reaz Ahmad, Executive Editor, Dhaka Tribune, Shahnaz Munni, senior journalist and author along with other media and government representatives.
This session aligns with a broader UNESCO-SOMASHTE initiative launched last year to foster disability equality in media, which includes research, training, and a media fellowship for disability-centered reporting.