BRAC Bank, Bangladesh Business and Disability Network and The Business Standard called for stronger disability data systems to support evidence-based policymaking and inclusive development in Bangladesh at a roundtable in Dhaka.
The discussion, titled “Data Matters: Numbers and Evidence are Key to a Disability-Inclusive Society”, highlighted the need for reliable disability data as the government increases focus on disability-inclusive development, organisers said in a press release.
The roundtable was held on May 20 under BRAC Bank’s corporate social responsibility programme “Aporajeyo Ami”.
The event brought together policymakers, regulators, development partners, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, researchers and private sector representatives.
BRAC Bank Managing Director and CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan said the bank’s commitment to disability inclusion was rooted in the vision of BRAC founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
“BRAC Bank’s founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, always believed that the people of Bangladesh never lacked talent — they lacked opportunities,” he said.
“That belief is in our DNA. It drives us to break down barriers, create access, and ensure that no one is excluded from the chance to realise their potential.”
“Disability inclusion is not a peripheral agenda for us — it is one we are committed to scaling with the same conviction,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking.
“Without reliable data, our policies rest on shaky assumptions. It’s time to transform insights into solid evidence,” he said.
Participants at the roundtable agreed to form a diverse task force aimed at improving disability data collection systems across organisations.
They also pledged to strengthen regular data sharing between the public and private sectors and prepare recommendations for integrating disability data into future national policies.
Representatives from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Department of Social Services, Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, International Labour Organisation, Access Bangladesh Foundation, SWID Bangladesh, Centre for Disability in Development, BRAC Bank and Bangladesh Business and Disability Network attended the event.
Speakers said accurate disability data is essential for creating inclusive employment opportunities, expanding financial access, ensuring accessible services and strengthening social protection systems.
They also called for closer collaboration among the government, private sector, development organisations and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities to ensure fuller participation of people with disabilities in national development.
