24/05/2026
🌐 Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2026
📍 BIDA Auditorium, Agargaon, Dhaka | 21 May 2026
“Accessibility is not charity — it is a fundamental human right.”
Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital transformation during the observance of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2026 held at the BIDA Auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The programme was organized by Aspire to Innovate (a2i), with collaboration from Friendship and Sightsavers, bringing together government officials, disability rights advocates, accessibility experts, innovators, development partners, and representatives from disability-focused organisations.
Honourable Minister of Posts, Telecommunications & Information Technology and Ministry of Science & Technology, Mr. Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, emphasized that ensuring equal digital access for persons with disabilities remains one of the Government’s highest priorities. He highlighted the importance of designing accessible websites, mobile applications, and digital services based on the rights, needs, abilities, and diversity of all citizens.
Special Guest Ms. Farzana Sharmin, MP, State Minister of the Ministry of Social Welfare, stated that the government will continue supporting innovative and accessible digital initiatives to ensure universal accessibility for all.
The programme was chaired by Mr. Kazi Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the ICT Division. Welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Md. Abdur Rafiq, Additional Secretary and Project Director of a2i. Valuable insights were also shared by the National Consultant of Accessibility Mr. Vashkar Bhattacharya, Ms. Ayesha Tasin Khan, Head of Inclusive Citizen Sector at Friendship, and Ms. Amrita Rejina Rozario, Country Director of Sightsavers Bangladesh.
The event featured important discussions on:
• Digital Accessibility & Inclusive Technology
• Accessible Websites & Mobile Applications
• Equal Participation in Digital Services
• Innovation for Disability Inclusion
• Technology, Human Dignity & Social Justice
Distinguished guests also included Ms. Valerie Ann Taylor, OBE, Founder of CRP, alongside representatives from government institutions, civil society organisations, innovators, and disability rights networks.
As an invited disability-focused organisation, the Organization for Disabled Improvement and Rights (ODIR) was honoured to participate in this important national initiative. The discussions and commitments presented at GAAD 2026 strongly inspire and encourage ODIR’s ongoing efforts to make both the ODIR Bangladesh digital platforms and the monthly publication Giving Now Magazine fully accessible, inclusive, and disability-friendly for all readers and users.
ODIR believes that accessible information, communication, and digital participation are essential for building an inclusive Bangladesh where no one is left behind.
Together, let us create a future where technology empowers everyone equally.
