Disability is an integral part of the human condition, with nearly everyone likely to experience a temporary or permanent disability at some point in their lives. As of 2023, approximately 1.3 billion people—around 16% of the global population—are living with significant disabilities. This number is expected to increase due to factors such as an aging population and the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (WHO, 2023). Furthermore, it is estimated that one in five women will experience a disability during her lifetime, and one in ten children currently live with a disability. These statistics highlight the widespread prevalence of disabilities globally and underscore the urgent need for inclusive policies and robust support systems to ensure that individuals with disabilities are fully integrated into society.
In Bangladesh, despite significant progress in social protection, the absence of a coherent policy in the past has limited the effectiveness of government-led interventions in reducing risks, alleviating vulnerability, and empowering marginalized communities like persons with disabilities. The National Social Security Strategy (NSSS), approved in June 2015, recognizes the social safety net programs as a narrative of resilience and transformation. According to the NSSS, these safety net programs represent the Government’s commitment to supporting poor and vulnerable populations in managing risks.
While the coverage of these programs has expanded in recent years, reaching more poor and vulnerable households, a significant proportion of impoverished families still remain excluded from social protection initiatives. The NSSS is embedded within a broader Social Development Framework (SDF) that integrates the Government’s strategies for poverty reduction across various sectors, including human development, financial inclusion, gender empowerment, social inclusion, environmental protection, climate change management, disaster management, and infrastructure development. It also addresses the security of persons with disabilities, the elderly, and widows.
The primary aim of the NSSS is to “Build an inclusive Social Security System for all deserving Bangladeshis that effectively tackles and prevents poverty and inequality, contributing to broader human development, employment, and economic growth.” Over the last years, the NSSS has focused on reforming the national Social Security System to ensure the more efficient and effective use of resources, strengthen delivery systems, and advance towards a more inclusive form of Social Security. This reformed system aims to effectively address lifecycle risks, prioritizing the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.
Building on these efforts, the Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Programme undertook a comprehensive perception study in 2020. The study aimed to identify the factors and challenges that hinder the participation of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. Additionally, it sought to provide actionable recommendations for overcoming access barriers and to evaluate the role of social protection in supporting persons with disabilities. To ensure a robust and inclusive approach, the research was conducted by the Centre for Disability in Development (CDD), utilizing a standardized questionnaire distributed to 80 persons with disabilities. Importantly, the study ensured equal representation of men and women from various income levels, all aged 18 and above.
The findings of this study revealed a significant lack of awareness among the general population in Bangladesh regarding the concept of disability. Notably, societal attitudes, including those within families, often stigmatize disability, viewing it as a punishment for parental misdeeds or as a curse. Consequently, children with disabilities are frequently perceived as burdens, leading to the deprivation of their basic human rights (SSPS, 2020). These findings align with other recent studies that highlight the pervasive negative attitudes towards disability in South Asia. For instance, Alam (2023) emphasized that cultural beliefs and stigma significantly hinder the social inclusion of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh.
Moreover, Hasan et al. (2022) similarly noted that, despite policy advancements such as the NSSS, implementation remains inconsistent due to deeply rooted societal biases. Complementing these perspectives, Mitra et al. (2021) underscored the critical role of social protection programs in mitigating these barriers and promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in economic and social life. Additionally, Banks et al. (2019) emphasized that societal perceptions have a profound influence on the quality of life and the opportunities available to persons with disabilities, further reinforcing the need for comprehensive strategies to address these challenges.
To address these ongoing challenges, the SSPS Programme has continued its efforts to strengthen policy frameworks related to the social protection of persons with disabilities. This ongoing work includes providing crucial policy support to ensure that the social protection budget adequately addresses the needs of persons with disabilities. By advocating for a more inclusive budget, the SSPS Programme aims to secure the necessary financial resources to implement effective social protection measures. Moreover, the programme has been actively involved in scrutinizing the beneficiary selection process for social protection programs. This scrutiny is essential to ensure that the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals, including persons with disabilities, are accurately identified and prioritized for support.
Significantly, the budget allocation for disability-related programs has increased from 0.5% to approximately 2%, indicating a substantial shift in financial commitment. According to the NSSS, the state will undertake actions while considering its fiscal space, necessitating a shift in the budgetary focus from viewing disability as a liability to recognizing it as an opportunity. However, it is important to note that discussions regarding the NSSS often lack cohesion, as there is no dedicated chapter specifically addressing the well-being of persons with disabilities. This gap underscores the need for continued advocacy and policy development to ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities are adequately represented in national strategies.
In response to this need, a joint event titled “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs for, with, and by Persons with Disabilities” was organized last year by focal points such as Sightsavers Bangladesh, UNDP, Australian Aid, UNFPA, ILO, UN Women, UNPRPD, UNICEF, and UNRC. This event brought together all relevant stakeholders—disabled persons, organizations working on disabilities, government authorities, private sector representatives, civil society, and the media—to discuss collective efforts for the advancement of persons with disabilities. During the day-long discussions, stakeholders launched the Reporters Forum for advisory aspects promoting awareness. A consensus was developed for thoroughly reviewing the social protection benefits for persons with disabilities, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
Furthermore, the Joint UN platform has been pivotal in preparing the Social Protection Framework for persons with disabilities under the purview of the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) initiative. This framework will contribute to the development of the NSSS 2026 and beyond, as well as inform the background for the 9th National Five-Year Plan (FYP). Additionally, a National Action Plan (NAP) for persons with disabilities, developed in 2018, was highlighted during the Global Summit last year, where Bangladesh secured 11 commitments. One of these commitments emphasizes the joint effort to implement the National Action Plan, making it essential to revisit and monitor its progress to ensure effective outcomes.
In this context, the SSPS Programme is working towards developing a comprehensive Social Protection Framework for persons with disabilities. This initiative will engage the Joint UN platform and other relevant stakeholders in preparing a robust framework that addresses the current challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. Through a series of policy dialogues and collaborative efforts, this framework aims to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into society, with access to the social protection and support they need to lead dignified and empowered lives.
Objective of the Study
- To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing national public and social policies, programs, and initiatives in Bangladesh, focusing on their relevance and effectiveness for persons with disabilities;
- To review international treaties, conventions, and best practices that Bangladesh is committed to or can learn from, in order to align the national framework with global standards for disability inclusion;
- To analyze national and ministry-specific budget documents to assess the adequacy of financial resources allocated for the social protection of persons with disabilities and identify areas where increased investment is necessary;
- To identify the key evidence-based results, gaps and challenges in the current social protection system that hinder the inclusion and support of persons with disabilities;
- To propose an inclusive Social Protection Framework for persons with disabilities,
- To suggest the integration of the needs of persons with disabilities into the NSSS 2026.
