Disability Inclusion Matters: Staff Voice from Bangladesh

Celebrated on 3 December every year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) recognizes the importance of inclusion in life and in the workplace. This day of observation reminds us that that people with disabilities cannot be left behind if the sustainable development goals are to be achieved. Mohammad Jahidul Islam, who joined UNFPA Bangladesh as UNV National Disability Coordinator in 2022and has recently been promoted as a full-time national staff in November this year sat down with us at his office in Dhaka and discussed his aspirations and his career.

Can you share about what or who was your inspiration to join the UN was and some of your experiences in your career path? 

My inspiration to enter the non-profit sector and engage with the UN stems from my personal journey with disability. Affected by polio at the age of two, I have lived my entire life in a wheelchair, facing the challenges and discrimination prevalent in society. Recognizing that my experiences were not unique. I became impassioned to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

The dream of working for the UN was fueled by my belief in its potential to drive positive change for people with disabilities worldwide. My journey, from personal adversity to active advocacy and volunteer work has fueled my aspiration to contribute to the UN's mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

What kinds of inequalities and discrimination do you think people with disabilities in Bangladesh face?

People with disabilities face inequalities and discrimination, intricately intertwined with both the disability type and gender of the person in this country. Accessibility barriers persist prominently, impeding physical mobility and participation in societal activities.

Disparities further manifest in employment. Mental health stigma adds another layer of complexity, contributing to the marginalization of those with psychosocial disabilities.

What have you found to be the biggest obstacle, or obstacles, in your line of education & work? 

The paramount obstacle in my education and career journey stems from the pervasive issue of accessibility. As a wheelchair user, every academic institution I attended in Bangladesh posed accessibility challenges.

Workplaces, both past and present, have consistently presented accessibility challenges. The current workplace, specifically the UN building itself, lacks adequate accessibility infrastructure. I face challenges every day with my wheelchair.

Can you please describe your role at UNFPA, UNV and UN in Bangladesh?

In my role as the National Disability Coordinator at UNFPA, I spearhead the coordination of disability inclusion programs, enhancing the organization's humanitarian efforts for increased accessibility. A pivotal aspect of my responsibilities involves crafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for UNFPA's disability inclusion initiatives. I actively engage in fostering UN collaboration on disability inclusion and contribute to the development of climate change projects at UNFPA, specifically creating modules tailored for health professionals.

Simultaneously, in my capacity as a UN Volunteer (UNV), in 2022, I champion the promotion of volunteering initiatives geared toward advancing disability inclusion within the UN System.

What is the potential and impact of UN’s work in disability inclusion to change mindsets and norms around issues such as disability and beyond?

The UN's commitment to disability inclusion, grounded in principles like Leaving No One Behind (LNOB), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 25, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), holds immense potential to reshape societal mindsets and norms. The LNOB principle underscores the imperative to address the needs of the most marginalized, including persons with disabilities, ensuring their active participation in all spheres of life. UDHR Article 25, emphasizing the right to health, aligns with disability inclusion efforts. By recognizing health as a fundamental right, the UN sets the stage for comprehensive health services and accessibility, directly benefiting individuals with disabilities.

By championing these principles, the UN contributes to changing societal perceptions of disability. Through awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and inclusive practices, the UN fosters a shift from viewing disabilities as impediments to recognizing them as facets of diversity and strength.

What do you feel has played the greatest role in changing social perceptions of people with disabilities, at multiple intersections? Is there somebody, in Bangladesh, who is doing it well that you would like to give credit to? 

By highlighting achievements and capabilities across various intersections, societal attitudes shift from viewing disability as a limitation to recognizing it as an integral aspect of human diversity. Visibility through media representation, inclusive policies, and advocacy has played a pivotal role. BI would like to mention two people. Mr. Vashkar Bhattacharya, a visually impaired person, and Ashrafun Nahar Misti, a wheelchair user, for their commendable contributions to disability inclusion in Bangladesh. Mr. Bhattacharya's work has been pivotal in advocating for accessibility and technology solutions for persons with visual impairment. Meanwhile, Ms. Misti's efforts have been instrumental in challenging barriers faced by women with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in various facets of society. Their dedication and achievements stand as inspiring examples of individuals making significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable Bangladesh.

What do you feel has played the greatest role in changing social perceptions of people with disabilities, at multiple intersections? Is there somebody, in Bangladesh, who is doing it well that you would like to give credit to? 

By highlighting achievements and capabilities across various intersections, societal attitudes shift from viewing disability as a limitation to recognizing it as an integral aspect of human diversity. Visibility through media representation, inclusive policies, and advocacy has played a pivotal role. BI would like to mention two people. Mr. Vashkar Bhattacharya, a visually impaired person, and Ashrafun Nahar Misti, a wheelchair user, for their commendable contributions to disability inclusion in Bangladesh. Mr. Bhattacharya's work has been pivotal in advocating for accessibility and technology solutions for persons with visual impairment. Meanwhile, Ms. Misti's efforts have been instrumental in challenging barriers faced by women with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in various facets of society. Their dedication and achievements stand as inspiring examples of individuals making significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable Bangladesh.

Any concluding thoughts? 

In conclusion, my journey reflects resilience amid challenges. From overcoming barriers as a person with a disability to actively shaping disability inclusion at the UNFPA and in the greater UN system my commitment is unwavering. Through these experiences, I strive to inspire a transformative shift, fostering inclusivity and diversity at every level.

Jahidul’s work to promote a fundamental shift in commitment, both in financing and action, is inspirational. More efforts– will be required to adapt Bangladesh’s fiscal policies, infrastructure, welfare services, education system and human rights practices so that we can have an even more diverse, inclusive workplace. Our efforts to keep the SDGs on track for, with and by persons with disabilities, thus need to be intensified and accelerated, both in the communities we work with and our UN system.