Mohammad Safiul Azam
In today’s technology-driven world, digital services are no longer a luxury; they are an essential part of everyday life. Education, healthcare, banking, communication, government services, and commerce are increasingly managed through digital platforms. As a result, lacking access to digital services means being excluded from mainstream society.
The third Thursday of May is observed globally as Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The day aims to promote awareness about making technology accessible to everyone and building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can equally benefit from digital opportunities. Since its launch in 2012, the initiative has brought together governments, technology companies, educational institutions, and policymakers around the world. The true success of technology can only be achieved when it is equally usable for all. Ensuring accessible and user-friendly digital services for people with visual, hearing, physical, and intellectual disabilities is now a pressing necessity.
Bangladesh remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals under the principle of “leaving no one behind.” Therefore, digital inclusion is not merely a technological issue; it is fundamentally linked to human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. However, the reality is that digital accessibility has often been treated as a secondary concern. In many cases, accessibility features are added only after websites or applications are developed, which is rarely effective. Genuine inclusion requires accessibility to be integrated into every stage of planning, design, development, and implementation.
Bangladesh has already made remarkable progress in digital transformation. Technology-based systems have expanded across administration, education, healthcare, and citizen services. Thousands of government and private websites, e-services, and digital platforms are now operational. Mobile banking, e-commerce, online education, and digital communication have opened new possibilities for society. Yet an important question remains: are these services equally accessible to everyone? Can a visually impaired person easily navigate a website? Can a hearing-impaired citizen fully understand video content without subtitles? Can a person with physical disabilities comfortably access digital services? If the answer is no, then our digital progress remains incomplete.
The number of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh is significant. According to the National Survey on Persons with Disabilities 2021, around 2.8 percent of the total population lives with some form of disability. The rate is higher among men (3.29 percent) than women (2.34 percent), and higher in rural areas (2.92 percent) compared to urban areas (2.45 percent). Disability prevalence also increases with age, from 0.87 percent among children aged 0–4 years to 9.9 percent among people aged 65 and above.
The Constitution of Bangladesh and national policies clearly emphasize equal rights for all citizens. Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) stresses access to information and communication technologies, while Article 21 highlights equal access to information. As a signatory to the convention, Bangladesh is committed to implementing these principles.
An inaccessible website or mobile application acts like a real-life barrier for persons with disabilities. Websites incompatible with screen readers become unusable for visually impaired individuals, while videos without captions exclude people with hearing impairments from accessing information. However, digital accessibility is not beneficial only for persons with disabilities; it improves usability for everyone. Simple language, clear layouts, larger fonts, proper color contrast, keyboard navigation, and voice support are equally helpful for elderly citizens, people with limited education, and those less familiar with technology.
The government has already undertaken several important initiatives in this regard. The Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013 and the National ICT Policy 2018 both emphasize inclusive digital access. Guidelines for accessible web design and digital services, aligned with international standards, have also been developed. In addition, the Disability Innovation Lab under Aspire to Innovate (a2i) has been working to make both public and private digital services more disability-friendly. Through training, research, technical support, and policy coordination, the initiative is contributing to the development of an inclusive digital ecosystem. Projects such as multimedia talking books, accessible dictionaries, and digital learning tools have already demonstrated positive impacts. Thousands of government websites under the national portal system now include basic accessibility features. However, initial efforts alone are not enough; regular evaluation, quality control, and user feedback mechanisms are equally essential.
Encouragingly, many organizations and institutions in Bangladesh are now working on accessibility, although efforts are still insufficient. Both government and private sector initiatives are contributing to inclusive digital services. Therapy service management platforms are helping persons with disabilities access rehabilitation services nationwide. Online police clearance systems are ensuring faster and more transparent services from home. Disability information systems are supporting registration, identification, and social protection services. Mobile apps for village courts are simplifying legal information and services through user-friendly language. Digital banking services are also becoming more accessible and inclusive. At the same time, private companies, technology firms, media outlets, and educational institutions must also take greater responsibility. Online banking, e-commerce platforms, job portals, and news media should all be designed to ensure equal accessibility for everyone.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh can further strengthen digital inclusion by introducing accessibility-focused education in universities, organizing innovation competitions, promoting affordable assistive technologies, and investing in artificial intelligence-based solutions. Technologies such as automated subtitles, voice commands, smart reading tools, and sign-language systems are creating new possibilities for accessibility. Most importantly, there must be a shift in mindset. Accessibility should not be viewed as an additional expense but rather as a long-term investment. It enables a large segment of the population to actively participate in society and contributes to broader economic and social development.
A truly smart society can only be built when technology is equally open and accessible to all. If persons with disabilities have equal opportunities in education, employment, banking, and access to information, they will be able to contribute more actively to society and the economy. Global Accessibility Awareness Day is not merely a symbolic observance; it is a commitment to making technology simple, safe, and usable for everyone. By prioritizing accessibility at every stage, from design to implementation, Bangladesh can emerge as a global example of an inclusive and innovative nation.
Mohammad Safiul Azam is a column writer and communications Professionals, He can be reached at safiul.azaam@gmail.com
