ALONGSIDE government-initiated projects, various private initiatives are also in place to serve the needs of the differently-abled members of society. Deficiency in information dissemination and awareness often deprive disabled people of the facilities available for them. As a response to this urgency, authorities concerned have emphasized on establishing an integrated initiative to develop an easy and accessible platform to collectively drive the welfare of people overcoming disabilities. It is essential to secure long-term employment for differently-skilled individuals, and also to ensure their engagement in the mainstream economy. The primary agenda for SDGs is not only to ensure that no one is left behind but also to make sure that people with special needs become a part of collective prosperity.
The disability inclusive global goals have much relevance for Bangladesh, which has nearly 16 million people with disabilities. This number is larger than the combined population of Sweden and Denmark. Bangladesh and countries of the Asian regions need to take advantage of the positive aura that has been created about the inclusion of disability in the SDGs and translate that into concrete actions for the advancement of its citizens with disabilities. The strategy should be aligned with the national strategy for implementing the SDGs.
To promote inclusion in education, stipends for students with disabilities in primary, secondary, higher secondary, and the university is also given by the Government of Bangladesh. During the last fiscal year, 80,000 students with disabilities received such monthly stipends. Employment opportunities are open for government jobs through quotas for persons with disabilities. Finally, the issues of persons with disabilities have been included in the 7th five-year plan of Bangladesh Government.
The ministries that deal with the programs concerning persons with disabilities need to be represented at the national level that will be responsible for implementing the SDGs. Civil Society Organizations, especially organizations of and for persons with disabilities must participate in decision-making processes with regard to implementation of SDGs.
