Bangladesh emerged to be an independent nation, guaranteeing for equality, human dignity and social justice for its citizens. The National Constitution not only upholds equality of opportunity for all the citizens but also created additional equitable measures for sections of the population who have been left behind through safety net programmes which are divided into four major categories: cash transfer (allowances), food security (social protection), micro-credit programs (social empowerment), and development sector programs (social empowerment). A considerable portion of the population lives with a disability, which aggravates their poverty. It is important that development plans of the GoB are disability sensitive with an emphasis on disability inclusion at the policy level.

In this regard, UNDP and Disability Alliance on SDGs Bangladesh have called on the Government of Bangladesh for the inclusion of disability in the 8th 5-Year Plan of Bangladesh (2021-2025). The Disability Alliance on SDGs Bangladesh consists of a network of 25 national and international organisations working for promoting disability rights in Bangladesh. Professor Dr. Shamsul Alam, Member (Senior Secretary),Planning Commission attended the workshop as Chief Guest. Monsur Ahmed Chouwdhury, Trustee IMPACT Foundation was the Chair. The keynote papers were presented by Aminul Arifeen, National Project Manager, SSPS, UNDP and Ayon Debnath, Sightsavers. The workshop was held on 2 December 2020 at Intercontinental Hotel, Dhaka and organized by UNDP and Disability Alliance on SDGs Bangladesh.