The Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) has organised a program to mark 30 years of its work towards the inclusion and socio-economic development of persons with disabilities.
The program was held on Monday at the Brac CDM premises in Savar. The event was attended by participants in various CDD projects, representatives of donor and partner organisations, government officials, and other attendees.
Opening the program, Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) Executive Director Nazmul Bari stated that the organisation has been working to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities in education, skills development, employment, and leadership.
“CDD has made significant progress towards the goals with which it began its journey. However, much remains to be done to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities and bring them into leadership positions,” he said.
He called on the government and others to join efforts to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream society.
AHM Noman Khan, the founder, executive director, and executive adviser of CDD, subsequently highlighted several milestones achieved throughout the organisation’s 30-year journey.
Guests also unveiled a book documenting CDD’s three decades of work. The program included a cake-cutting ceremony followed by a traditional folk performance.
Speakers at the final session discussed experiences and the impact of efforts to establish the rights of persons with disabilities, expand access to education, promote community-based rehabilitation, and ensure inclusion in disaster management.
Chief guest AKM Tarek, director general of the Bangladesh Rural Development Board, stated that CDD has played a leading role in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh.
He said the government was working with organisations such as CDD to promote inclusion in remote areas where access to urban facilities is limited.
He also expressed hope that partnerships between the government and other organisations would be strengthened to build a more inclusive Bangladesh.
The program ended with a cultural event featuring persons with disabilities and others.
Earlier in the day, the CDD also organised the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Summit 2026, which was attended by several hundred children and young people with disabilities alongside their parents.
Speakers at the summit discussed the rights, participation, and empowerment of persons with disabilities, as well as inclusive development, while exchanging experiences and views on future initiatives.
They expressed hope that joint efforts would contribute to building an inclusive, equitable and humane society.
Why it matters
The event underscores the ongoing need for government and civil society collaboration to expand rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities across Bangladesh.