Bangladesh

Government responses

Mainstreaming of disability inclusion, participation, and partnerships

• [16 March 2020] In the National Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19, it is mentioned that targeted approaches will be developed to reach all social groups with risk communication and services, considering gender, age, disability, education, and migration status.
• [2 April 2020] The Bangladesh government, UNDP, and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) have started a joint initiative to protect 2.16 million urban vulnerable persons, including persons with disabilities, from the impact of COVID-19. The initiative includes awareness campaigns, the distribution of hygiene packages, and the installation of 2,500 handwashing facilities in twenty city corporations, municipalities, and other communities.
• [27 October 2020] Australia has announced its COVID-19 Development Response Plan for Bangladesh 2020-21 and 2021-22. Dhaka and Canberra will work in partnership to ensure the plan remains closely aligned with Bangladesh’s development initiatives. The protection of the most vulnerable, including women and girls and persons with disabilities, is a priority in the plan.
• [8 March 2021] The COVID-19 Emergency Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project has been updated with additional financing for vaccination. There are strategies to engage vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.

Accessible public information

• [4 February 2021] The Directorate General of Health Services posts “Health Bulletin” on its Facebook page with sign language interpretation services.

Social protection and employment support

• [1 June 2020] ADD International’s COVID-19 Update has noted that nearly 13,500 persons with disabilities have received assistance, such as emergency grants, from the government, NGOs, or individuals.
• [22 June 2020] Under the social safety net programme, nearly Tk 26.5 crore (including allowances paid in advance) has been distributed among 8 million beneficiaries that include insolvent persons with disabilities and students with disabilities.
• [30 September 2020] The coverage of the Old Age Allowances, the Allowances for Destitute Women, and the Allowances for Disabled Persons has been expanded to include 1.7 million more new beneficiaries.
• [4 February 2021] A general cash allowance has been extended to persons with disabilities who did not receive disability specific allowances.

Last modified: 6 May 2021