According to reports from Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) there are about 4.5 million people in Bangladesh live with  disabilities. Yet with, determination and  inclusive mechanism can break the barriers for the persons with disabilities. 

Here are a few stories of resilience and success: 

Defying stereotypes with digital footprint: 

Kowcher Akhter Tahin was born as a regular child in a busy Chattogram city. But during her early childhood she suffered from Typhoid and lost her right leg to the disease. She grew extremely depressed and worried about the uncertain future. 

However, despite poverty her parents wanted her to continue her studies. Tahin mustered courage from their determination. 

She carried on with her studies and completed a computer course simultaneously. In the year 2013, she participated in a transformative 7-day training program under the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) program powered by UNDP. It opened up new doors for her. 

She eventually joined Digital Centre of a2i and establish herself as an entrepreneur. 

“I can earn BDT 30000-40000 (251-335 USD) a month. This financial stability has empowered me in ways I cannot describe. I am glad that despite countless obstacles, I never gave up, and now I can stand on my own” – she said.

From visual impairment to advocating for education for all

As a child, Mohammad  Shakil was a bright student full of possibilities. He was born in Chattogram and had dreams to touch the sky someday. However, his dreams were short lived as he lost his eyesight to a disease at the age of 11. 

“My world plunged into into darkness. School became an impossible climb for me” he said. 

Shakil’s parents used to narrate textbooks and transcribe notes to him. When he was in the 9th grade, he discovered the multimedia talking book. It helped him to excel in the board exams. 

Now he is a graduate student in a Public University and still dependent on these books for his studies. “With such tools we are marching forward to an inclusive future where no student will be left behind”- he said. 

Shakil now aspires to be a teacher. His goal is to empower the visually impaired community of the country. “Sometimes the visually impaired suffer from low self-esteem and depression. I would like them to know they can defy all the odds in life and be successful both personally and professionally” he said. 

From Struggle to Convenience

Hasan Shikder is a visually impaired man from Dhamrai. He is a folk singer by profession popularly known as Boyati in the village. The money he earns from singing in a village is inadequate to run a family. So he is largely dependent on the disability fund provided by the Government of Bangladesh for livelihood.

For years he had to take up a lot of hassle to collect his allowance. He would have to travel miles, stand in long lines under the scorching sun or pouring rain, and sometimes, after waiting all day, the bank would close, when his turn would finally come, meaning he would have to repeat the entire cycle the following day. Considering his condition, it was very frustrating for him. 

But his struggles are now made easy with the introduction of mobile financial services (MFS). The convenience of MFS allows him to access the funds without leaving his home.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, under the SSN (Social Safety Net) program, now provides financial support to the vulnerable populations, such as the persons with disability, low-income families, the elderly, etc. 

“Now, I receive my allowance right at home through MFS under the Social Safety Net Program. No more endless journeys or waiting in lines. It has made my life easier, by saving the long travels, the heat, and the waiting time.”

When it comes to persons with disabilities, digital divide often adds to the existing barriers they already face. But a2i powered by UNDP is making sure not to leave anyone behind for a sustainable development.