Accessibility audit-report-2018 study on situation of access to the infrastructures of public service institutions for persons with disabilities

Study on
Situation of
Access to the
Infrastructures
of Public Service
Institutions for
Persons with
Disabilities
2018

Study on Situation of Access to th
Institutions for Persons with Disab
to the Infrastructures of Public Se
Disabilities Study on Situation o
Public Service Institutions for Pe
Situation of Access to the Infrastru
for Persons with Disabilities Stu
Infrastructures of Public Servic
for Persons with Disabilities Study

4
Accessibility Audit Report 2018
Study Conducted
& Published by
First published in 2019
Editorial Panel
Nusrat Zerin | Salma Mahbub | Muhammad Iftekhar Mahmud | Md. Zahidul Kabir
Supported by
Girls Advocacy Alliance | PLAN International Bangladesh
Photography
Muaz Bin Zakaria | Mubtasim Fuad Akanda
Drawings
Abu Bakar Siddique, Associate Member, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
Concept & Layout
Chayakor Communication
Printed by
KHUSHI Enterprise
© Copyright: Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-SCAN), Flat - A1, House – 655/A,
Road – 14, Baitul Aman Housing Society, Adabor, Dhaka – 1207, Bangladesh.
+88 02 8190079, 01676828874, info@b-scan.org, www.b-scan.org
All rights are reserved.
ISBN
978-984-34-7768-2
This document may be used or reproduced only if the source is cited and only for non-commercial purpose.
Bangladesh Society for
the Change and Advocacy
Nexus (B-SCAN)

5
Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-SCAN)
Message from the Chairman
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is a State owned transport organization whose vision
is to build a safe, modern and comfortable road transport system in our country. BRTC is the largest
transport operator rendering its passenger and cargo service throughout the country. With the support of
Government, BRTC is increasing its management capability to improve the quality of service to passengers
specially low income Women/Girls, School/College students and persons with disabilities. BRTA operators
Bus service in different routes of Dhaka and Chittagong cities to ensure comfortable journey for working
women. Conductors/helpers of those Women Buses are also women. Even female Bus driver are going to
be introduced in BRTC fleet very soon. Also, specific number of seats are reserved in each bus for women
and disabled person. In true sense, BRTC’s women bus service in welfare oriented rather income.
Special attentions are being taken for disabled persons such as portable ramps are introduced in BRTC
buses. Also initiatives are taken for person with disabilities to travel BRTC buses without fare. BRTC always
welcomes organization/persons who are working for women, disabled persons and persons left behind.
I am delighted that, Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus(B-SCAN) has completed this
study entitled Study on Situation of Access to the Infrastructure of Public Service Institutions for Persons
with Disabilities, which has identified some issues to improve the accessibilities of women with disabilities
in different infrastructure and service. I believe, these findings will definitely help to establish the right of
persons with and make a better world for them.
Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan
Chairman, BRTC
Bangladesh
Road Transport
Corporation

6
The report on “Study on Situation of Access to the Infrastructures of Public Service Institutions for Persons
with Disabilities” will contribute in understanding the existing situation of different public transportation,
public places, government services infrastructures, public infrastructures and service systems which
need to be adapted and made accessible for all persons with disabilities, especially the women with
disabilities. This report is prepared with the findings gathered from an audit conducted by an Audit Team
consisting different type of persons with disabilities in selected places, like - transport stations, building
infrastructures where general women take various services, government office which provides service to
women and public toilet. The findings of this study on the accessibility of these government services and
transportation facilities will contribute in creating person with disability friendly infrastructure, services or
adapting existing infrastructural, facilities and arrangements accessible for the persons with disabilities,
especially women with disabilities. It is expected that this report will bring expected changes in the lives
of persons with disabilities for independent living and active participation in various social and economic
development initiatives.
Hence B-SCAN is working to advocate and promote the accessibility issue; part of it they have creating
evidence to speedy implementation of Bangladesh National Building Code and harassment free
transportation for girls and women with disabilities. Moreover the inaccessibility hinders the way of
economic inclusion and limiting the equal participation of persons with disabilities, especially the girls and
women with disabilities. B-SCAN believes that this study will contribute in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development (SDGs) Goal 5 to achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls and
Goal 11 to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The study findings
will give a guideline to all the relevant stakeholders to create new and adapt the existing infrastructures,
facilities, services and systems considering the actual need of different types of persons with disabilities
and women with disabilities. We believe that this publication will be a reference for the policy makers,
academia, self-advocates, national and international agency to promote and contribute to build up an
inclusive society for all, especially universal accessibility in Bangladesh.
Finally, I am thankful to all my colleagues in B-SCAN, the Audit Team, Focal Points of different government
services and authorities who helped us by providing data/information for this study. We tried our best to
make this study report analytical and realistic. I would like to take this opportunity to thank GAA team and
Plan International Bangladesh for supporting us.
Sabrina Sultana
President, B-SCAN
Message from President
Bangladesh Society for
the Change and Advocacy
Nexus (B-SCAN)

7
Plan International began working in Bangladesh in 1994. Across all our work, we encourage children and
young people to be leaders in their communities and drive progress on the issues that matter to them. We
integrate gender equality and inclusion across all our work.
Among the issues affecting children’s development in Bangladesh are a lack of skilled birth attendants,
malnutrition, a lack of sexual health rights, low quality education, a high number of girls dropping out
of school, a lack of safety, especially for girls, low birth registration rates and poor hygiene practices.
In addition, Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world with some of the most
vulnerable children living in the worst-affected areas.
Plan International Bangladesh targets the most excluded children and our programmes directly benefit
over 2.3 million children across the country.
The Girls Advocacy Alliance (GAA) is a 5-year joint project (2016-2020) led by the Dutch offices of Plan
International, Terre des Hommes and Defence for Children – ECPAT and funded by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. The project aims to promote equal rights and opportunities for girls and young women in 10
countries spread across Africa and Asia.
The prevalence of gender-based violence and discrimination worldwide remains high. In this context,
the project will pay particular attention to the vulnerabilities that girls and young women face (sexual
violence, early and forced marriages, forced labour, trafficking, access to education, inter alia.). It aims to
create initiatives for girls, and by girls, to increase and strengthen their participation in the socio-economic
sphere.
Accessibility is an important issue for persons with disabilities to enjoy their rights to live independently.
UNCRPD describe accessibility as follows ‘To enable persons with disabilities to live independently and
participate fully in all aspects of life, States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons
with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to
information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems,
and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas.
I wish to extend my deep appreciation to Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus
(B-SCAN) for successful completion of the accessibility audit report 2018 of selected places that aims to
evaluate the current accessibility status for persons with disabilities in Dhaka. As an implementation part
of Girls Advocacy Alliance Plan International Bangladesh is committed to contribute the empowerment of
girls and women with disabilities in Bangladesh.
Orla Murphy
Country Director
Plan International Bangladesh
Plan
International
Bangladesh
Message from PLAN Country Director

8
Girl Advocacy Alliance – GAA
The Girls Advocacy Alliance (GAA) is a joint initiative of Plan International Netherlands, Terre Des Hommes
NetherlandsandDefenseforChildren–ECPATNetherlands.TheGAAisledbyPlanInternationalNetherlands
and is implemented in strategic partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Dialogue
and Dissent framework. GAA envisions a world wherein all girls and young women enjoy equal rights and
opportunities, and benefit equally from development outcomes. The goal of the five year GAA programme
‘Advocating for Girls’ Rights (2016 – 2020) is that, by 2020, governments and private sector actors ensure
that girls and young women in ten countries in Africa and Asia feel free from gender-based violence and
are economically empowered. The GAA programme is implemented in Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia,
Sierra Leone, Uganda, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and the Philippines.
To realize its overall goal, the GAA applies a broad spectrum lobby and advocacy interventions to
increase public support; to improve policies and practices of corporate/private sector actors, to seek
implementation of effective legislation and public policies; and to improve practices of government actors
in support of the prevention and elimination of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Economic Exclusion
(EE) of girls and young women. At the same time, the GAA focuses on the strengthening of capacities of
civil society organizations and networks to influence government and corporate/private sector actors to
eliminate gender-based violence and economic exclusion. This initiative builds their existing knowledge
and practices on lobbying, advocacy and actions that leads more inclusive policies and practices on equal
rights and opportunities for girls and young women.
The programme especially focuses on gender based violence, commercial sexual exploitation of children,
sexual violence and abuse, female genital mutilation/cutting, child marriage, economic exclusion, access
to post-primary education and vocational training, decent work and female entrepreneurship.
In Bangladesh, GAA is envisioning no girls and young women of this country faces gender based violence
and women are economically empowered. GAA is influencing Bangladesh Government, Private Sector and
Community leaders for policies that are more inclusive and practices for lasting changes in the society.
GAA believes no woman leaving behind from Gender Equality and Economic Empowerment. From this
perspective, GAA works with Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-SCAN) to address
inaccessibility of girls and young women with disabilities to reduce their economic exclusion and gender
based violence.

9
Acknowledgement
B-SCAN would like to acknowledge the cooperation of the Girls Advocacy Alliance of PLAN International
Bangladesh to support to facilitate this comprehensive study.
We would also like to recognize the support of the Audit Team for their invaluable input and time to fill up
the questionnaires, observations and assistance despite the hostile weather. We would like to stretch our
thanks to the different government institutions and authorities for their sincere support.
We would like to thank every individual who are involved directly or indirectly in this research with their
valuable comments, sharing, thoughts and opinions. We are grateful for the support of the volunteers
also.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge the unconditional support of Late Mr. Rafiq Zaman, Director of
Protibondhi Nagorik Shangathaner Parishad (PNSP) to help us to prepare the basic of this accessibility
audit plan, who unfortunately passed away in a tragic plane crash in Nepal on 12 March, 2018.

10
ADAAA Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act 2008
BIWTA Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority
BNBC Bangladesh National Building Code
BRTA Bangladesh Road Transport Authority
BRTC Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation
CRPD Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
CSOs Civil Society Organizations
DOA Department of Architecture
DNCC Dhaka North City Corporation
DSCC Dhaka South City Corporation
DTCA Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority
DWA Department of Women Affairs
IAB Institute of Architects Bangladesh
IMED Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Department
IWT Inland Water Transport
LGED Local Government Engineering Department
MHM Menstrual Hygiene Management
MoWCA Ministry of Women and Children Affairs
PDOs Persons with Disability Organizations
PDRPA Persons with Disabilities Rights and Protection Act 2013
PWD Public Works Department
SDG Sustainable Development Goal
SDSL Society of the Deaf and Sign Language Users
SWID Society for the Welfare of the Intellectual Disability
UNESCAP United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
WC Wash Closet
Acronyms

11
Executive Summery 10
Research Team 12
Audit Team 13
Key Terms 14
Definition of Disability 14
Definition of Persons with Disabilities 14
Reasonable Accommodation 14
Universal Design 14
Accessibility 14
Wheelchair Lift 15
Portable Ramps 15
Tactile Guideline 15
Colour Contrast Sensitivity 15
Chapter 1 16
Introduction
Objectives of the Study 16
Research Background 16
Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (CRPD) 16
Incheon Strategy 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 17
New Urban Agenda – Habitat iii 18
Research Constraints 19
Ethical Clearance 19
Chapter 2 20
Accessibility Considerations 20
Accessibility 20
Types of disability and the requirements
for their accessibility 20
Chapter 3 21
Methodology 21
Duration of the Research 21
Selection of Research Area 21
Formation of Audit Team 21
Data Collection 21
Questionnaires 22
Focus Group Discussion (FGD) 22
Key Informant Interview (KII) 22
Observation 22
Review of Secondary Document 22
National Instruments 22
International Instruments 23
Data Analysis 23
Chapter 4 24
Research Findings 24
Bus Stoppage 24
Railway Station 27
Launch Terminal 30
Public Toilet 33
Teachers-Students Center (TSC) - DU 36
Department of Women Affairs Building 39
A Public Bus 44
Conclusion 45
Model of Accessible Designs 46
Annex 53
Table of Content

12
Executive Summary
“Study on Situation of Access to the Infrastructures of Public Service Institutions for Persons with
Disabilities” has been conducted to measure the access of the women with disabilities into different
services in the city and to contribute to make a comprehensive plan of action to build an inclusive city for
all. The findings of this study on the accessibility of some government services and transportation facilities
will contribute in creating persons with disability friendly infrastructure, services or adapting existing
infrastructural, facilities and arrangements accessible for the persons with disabilities, especially women
with disabilities.
B-SCAN felt the need to conduct this study which will contribute in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development (SDGs) Goal 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, Goal 8 Promote
sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work
for all and Goal 11 to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
An Audit Team was formed to carry out inspection, observation and audit of the selected places, like -
different kinds of transport stations, building infrastructures where mass general women take various
services, educational institutions and a public toilet. Through this audit the vulnerability of accessibility in
Dhaka, capital city of Bangladesh has been analyzed. At the same time an accessibility measuring tool for
future work of Persons with Disability Organizations (PDOs) has developed.
Six places and a private bus have been audited with seven types of persons with disabilities, especially
women. Suitable public transport availability and inaccessible infrastructure are the main hurdles for
persons with disabilities to participate in social and economic activities equally. There are often small,
effective and economical solutions can be found which can remove significant barriers of accessibility
issues but those are not even considered by the policy makers and other implementing authorities. Beside
the infrastructural barriers, this study identified the obstructions which are remained in the existing
services and systems provided for general women.
Through this study, all the places were identified as inaccessible for persons with disabilities in the three
selected transportation related audited places – Airport Bus Stoppage & Airport Railway Station and also
Sadarghat Launch Terminal. Some places do have ramps, like Department of Women Affairs and Airport
Railway Station but those were not built in maintaining the standard ratio. Stairs and ramps do not have
slip resistant handrails on both sides. No tactile guidelines were seen in audited places. Colour contrasts
are not appropriate in most of the places. Audible signals were absent and location map, citizen charters
were not readable for persons with visual and low vision. Proper signage were also absent for persons
with hearing and intellectual disability.

13
Still the Department of Women Affairs is in need of a specific policy to provide services to the women
with disabilities. Though few services of this department have facilities for women with disabilities but
still it lacks in providing disaggregated data to have a clear idea about the numbers of actual beneficiaries
(women with disabilities). Basic Bangla Sign Language Service for persons with disabilities was not found
in any information dissemination system. Only two places, Department of Women Affairs and Public
Toilet of Pantha Kunja had accessible toilets out of the 5 selected audited places. Most of the toilets were
unhygienic and not well maintained. Menstrual Hygiene maintenance facilities were not seen anywhere,
DWA and Pantha Kunja had bin at the toilets only. Waiting rooms had no reserved place for persons with
disabilities. Lever type taps or flush were not seen in any toilets and water points for persons with finger
mobility, especially for persons with cerebral palsy. Most of the water points were inaccessible. Some
places had ticket counters for persons with disabilities but those were either inaccessible or closed. There
was no reserved car parking available for persons with disabilities and there was only one emergency
exit at the DWA which was not accessible. An intra-city private bus named Pallabi Super, which runs from
Gabtali to Abdullahpur, Kamarpara via Kalshi was also audited and it had no access for a wheelchair users
and there was no reserved seats for persons with disabilities.
This study will contribute in understanding the existing situation of different transportation, public places,
government services infrastructures, public infrastructures and service systems which need to be made
accessible for all persons with disabilities including the women with disabilities for their independent
living, active participation in different social and economic developmental activities. The study findings
will give a guideline to all the relevant stakeholders to create new infrastructures, facilities, services and
systems considering the actual need of different persons with disabilities and women with disabilities. It
will also provide a guideline to adapt the existing infrastructures, facilities, services and systems to make
them accessible, safe and usable for different persons with disabilities and women with disabilities.

14
Research Team
The research team is comprised of development activists and professionals, persons with disabilities,
architect and civil engineers. Team members are selected in a way so that they can contribute in their
specific field of expertise and provide opinion to enrich the findings of this study.
Sabrina Sultana
President of women led PDO named B-SCAN and also a person with muscular dystrophy
- wheelchair user. She is one of the key members of the Audit Team and participated in
questionnaire design, organizing audit and reporting.
Salma Mahbub
General Secretary of women led PDO named B-SCAN and also a wheelchair user. She is
one of the key members of the research team and participated in questionnaire design,
organizing audit, field visit and report writing.
Md. Zahidul Kabir
Audit Consultant, facilitated the entire audit and report preparation along with feedback
incorporation in the draft and final report.
Nusrat Zerin
Audit Consultant and specialist on Persons with Disability & Inclusive Development. She
analyzed the primary and secondary data and prepared the draft of the audit report.
Muhammad Iftekhar Mahmud
Coordinator of B-SCAN and a person with visual disability. He is one of the key contributors
to questionnaire design, field audit and report writing.
Abu Baker Siddique
Consultant Architect, Associate Member, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) AS – 376.
He contributed as a research member to the technical measurements and the sketches.
Sumaiya Binte Samad
Consultant Architect, Bangladesh Police Welfare Trust, contributed as a research member to
the technical measurements.
A Q M Mufakkir Rahman Mahi Civil Engineer. He has served as a technical member in the research team.

15
Audit Team
Niger Sultana
Woman with physical disability (wheelchair
user)
Private Service holder
Shahin Mia Man with physical disability (crutch user) Government service holder
Badrunnahar Tonima Woman with Visual disability Student, Chess Player
Ruma Khan Kajal Woman with Low vision Student
Shammi Akter Woman with Intellectual disability
Music Teacher, Society for the Welfare of the
Intellectual Disability (SWID), Special School
Tajkia Jahan Woman with cerebral palsy (wheelchair user) Micro Entrepreneur
Ummey Hafsa Woman with hearing disability 3rd
year BBA, Lalmatia College, Dhaka.
Sinha Woman with hearing disability Sales Representative, Shwapno Superstore
Hawa Akter Woman with hearing disability Graphic Designer (Freelance)
Ariful Islam Bangla Sign Language Interpreter
News Interpreter in Bangla Sign, Bangladesh
Television
Md. Mokhlesur Rahman Bangla Sign Language Interpreter
WIngs Operator, Dyeing Division, keya Knit
COmposite Ltd.
Md. Suzon Ali Bangla Sign Language Interpreter Teacher’s Assistant, PROYASH
Raihana Rahman Bangla Sign Language Interpreter
Coordinator, Society of the Deaf and
Sign Language Users (SDSL)
Sojib Karim Volunteer Program Officer, B-SCAN
Taramoni Akter Volunteer House wife

16
Key Terms
Definition of Disability
Disabilit1
is an evolving concept
and that disability results from the
interaction between persons with
impairments and attitudinal and
environmental barriers that hinders
their full and effective participation
in society on an equal basis with
others.
Definition of Persons with
Disabilities
Persons with disabilities2
include
those who have long-term physical,
mental, intellectual or sensory
impairments which in interaction
with various barriers may hinder
their full and effective participation
in society on an equal basis with
others.
Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable Accommodation3
means necessary and appropriate
modification and adjustments not
imposing a disproportionate or
1 https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/preamble.html
2 https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/article-1-purpose.html
3 http://www.un.org/disabilities/documents/convention/convoptprot-e.pdf, Article 2, definition
4 http://www.un.org/disabilities/documents/convention/convoptprot-e.pdf, Article 2, definition
5 https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities/article-9-accessibility.html
undue burden, where
needed in a particular case, to
ensure to persons with disabilities
the enjoyment or exercise on an
equal basis with others of all human
rights and fundamental freedoms;
Universal Design
Universal Design means the
design of products, environments,
programmes and services to be
usable by all people, to the greatest
extent possible, without the need
for adaptation or specialized design.
“Universal design”4
shall not exclude
assistive devices for particular
groups of persons with disabilities
where this is needed;
Accessibility
To enable persons with disabilities
to live independently and participate
fullyinallaspectsoflife,StatesParties
shall take appropriate measures to
ensure to persons with disabilities
access, on an equal basis with
others, to the physical environment,
to transportation, to information
and communications, including
information and communications
technologies and systems, and to
other facilities and services open or
provided to the public, both in urban
and in rural areas.5
Disability is an
evolving concept and
that disability results
from the interaction
between persons
with impairments
and attitudinal
and environmental
barriers that hinders
their full and effective
participation in
society on an equal
basis with others.
Audit Team at the Bus Stoppage of Airport Road, Uttora, Dhaka

17
Wheelchair Lift
A wheelchair lift6
which permits
the wheelchair to be lifted to an
appropriate height by means of
a vertically adjustable pedestal
including telescoping circular
cylinders. The pedestal also includes
a generally circular base of a
predetermined height for housing
theliftingcylinders,atypicalexample
being a hydraulic unit for lifting a
barber chair. Patent Number: 4,759
Portable Ramps
A lightweight portable wheelchair
ramp7
comprising a pair of ramps
detachably secured to one another
in a compact, portable configuration.
Each ramp is telescopically
extensible with oppositely disposed
non-slip surface engaging flanges
and can be adjustably locked to the
length required. A pair of alignment
and spacer brackets secure the
ramps together in spaced parallel
relation during operation. The ramps
can be detached from one another,
collapsed and secured together for
ease of transport.
Tactile Guideline
Tactile8
Indicators are products
made from various materials
installed into the ground consisting
of a series of raised studs or bars.
They are installed in the form of laid
paving units, individual mushroom
6 https://patents.google.com/patent/US4759684
7 https://patents.google.com/patent/US4528711A/en
8 https://www.mobilityresearch.co.nz/tactileindicators
9 https://www.visionaware.org/info/changing-your-home/redesigning-your-home/contrast-and-color/235
shaped studs drilled and fixed into
the ground or mats glued to the
ground surface. The purpose of
Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
(TGSI) is to give pedestrians who are
blind, or who have vision impairment
warning of hazards and directional
information to aid navigation of the
urban environment.
This is achieved by aligning the raised
stud or bar pattern of the Tactile
Indicators on the ground surface,
enabling blind pedestrians to feel
the textural changes through their
feet or with a cane.
Pedestrians with limited vision use
the colour contrast between the
Tactile Indicators and ground surface
to detect the modules visually.
TGSI are predominantly used to lead
pedestrians to and identify public
access facilities such as intersection
kerb ramps, pedestrian crossings,
stairs, lifts, ramps and escalators.
Theyarealsousedatpublictransport
facilities to alert pedestrians to
platform edges at train stations,
bus and tram stop areas and ferry
wharves. In addition to assisting
with orientation, Tactile Indicators
help provide safe, dignified &
independent access to and within
the community.
Colour Contrast Sensitivity
Contrast sensitivity9
refers to the
ability to detect differences between
light and dark areas; therefore, if
you have low vision, increasing the
contrast between an object and
its background will generally make
the object more visible. Enhancing
contrast is one of the simplest, least
expensive, and most effective home
modifications you can implement.
Bus Stoppage Shelter which 80 meters (aprx.) far away from the ticket counter
and right beside a drain
To enable persons
with disabilities to
live independently
and participate fully
in all aspects of life,
States Parties shall
take appropriate
measures to
ensure to persons
with disabilities
access, on an equal
basis with others,
to the physical
environment, to
transportation, to
information and
communications,
including information
and communications
technologies and
systems, and to other
facilities and services
open or provided to
the public, both in
urban and in rural
areas.

18
Chapter 1
Introduction
Objectives of the Study
Thepurposeofthestudyistomeasuretheaccess
of the women with disabilities into different
public services including transportations in the
city and to contribute to make a comprehensive
plan of action to build an inclusive city for all.
Research Background
As we all know that Persons with disabilities are
facing mammoth infrastructural barrier within
the state and society. It hinders their basic
rights and demand. After one decade of the
ratification of the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and three years
of the initiative of Sustainable Development
Goals, still we are struggling for an inclusive city.
To ensure the basic rights and needs of persons
with disabilities, public places should develop
their infrastructural development and adopt
the government rules and regulations regarding
accessibility of persons with disabilities.
Moreover, women with disabilities are more
vulnerable than the man with disabilities due to
social stigma and stereotype mentality.
Different International Standard and
Declarations have been referred in this study
for appropriate measures which needs to be
taken and considered in our country to ensure
the inclusive and accessible infrastructures
and services for all citizens, especially for the
persons with disabilities. Such as -
Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (A/
RES/61/106) was adopted on 13 December
2006 at the United Nations Headquarters in
New York, and was opened for signature on
30 March 2007. There were 82 signatories to
the Convention, 44 signatories to the Optional
Protocol, and 1 ratification of the Convention.
TSC Library observation

19
This is the highest number of signatories in
history to a UN Convention on its opening day.
It is the first comprehensive human rights treaty
of the 21st
century and is the first human rights
convention to be open for signature by regional
integration organizations. The Convention
entered into force on 3 May 2008. Bangladesh
was one of the first few countries that ratified
the CRPD and the optional Protocol.
CRPDArticle–9.1:Itismentionedthat‘Toenable
persons with disabilities to live independently
and participate fully in all aspects of life, States
Parties shall take appropriate measures to
ensure persons with disabilities’ access, on
an equal basis with others, to the physical
environment, to transportation, to information
and communications, including information
and communications technologies and systems
and to other facilities and services open or
provided to the public, both in urban and in
rural areas. These measures, which shall include
the identification and elimination of obstacles
and barriers to accessibility, shall apply to, inter
alia:
• Buildings, roads, transportation and
other indoor and outdoor facilities,
including schools, housing, medical
facilities and workplaces;
• Information, communications and other
services, including electronic services
and emergency services.
Incheon Strategy – Make the Right
Real (Plan of Action for achieving
CRPD in UNESCAP for Persons with
Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific)
A decade was declared by the Governments
of the UNESCAP region gathered in Incheon
City, Republic of Korea, from 29 October to
2 November 2012 to design the chart of the
new Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with
Disabilities for the period 2013 to 2022.
10 https://www.maketherightreal.net/incheon-strategy/goal-3
A High-level Inter-Governmental meeting on
Midpoint Review of Incheon Strategy was held
in Beijing from 27th
November – 1st
December,
2017, organized by UNESCAP and it took a
holistic approach to the 2030 agenda. The 10
specific agenda of persons with disabilities
development goals are supported by 27 targets
and 62 indicators of SDG.
Out of 10 goals the following goal is relevant
with the accessibility issue of persons with
disabilities.
Goal 3 – Enhance access to the physical
environment,publictransportation,knowledge,
information and communication.10
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a
universal call to action to end poverty, protect
the planet and ensure that all people enjoy
peace and prosperity.
These 17 Goals build on the successes of
the Millennium Development Goals, while
including new areas such as climate change,
economic inequality, innovation, sustainable
consumption, peace and justice, among other
priorities. The goals are interconnected – often
the key to success on one will involve tackling
issuesmorecommonlyassociatedwithanother.
SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide
access to safe, affordable,
accessible and sustainable
transport systems for all,
improving road safety, notably
by expanding public transport,
with special attention to the
needs of those in vulnerable
situations, women, children,
persons with disabilities and
older persons
Chapter 1. Introduction

20
Goal 5: Gender Equality11
5.1: End all forms of discrimination against
all women and girls everywhere.
5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against
all women and girls in the public and private
spheres, including trafficking and sexual
and other types of exploitation.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth12
8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive
employmentanddecentworkforallwomen
and men, including for young people and
persons with disabilities, and equal pay for
work of equal value.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities13
11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe,
affordable, accessible and sustainable
transport systems for all, improving
road safety, notably by expanding public
transport, with special attention to the
needs of those in vulnerable situations,
women, children, persons with disabilities
and older persons.
New Urban Agenda – Habitat iii
The New Urban Agenda was adopted at the
United Nations Conference on Housing and
Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat
III) in Quito, Ecuador, on 20 October 2016. It
was endorsed by the United Nations General
Assembly at its sixty-eighth plenary meeting
11 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/
12 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/economic-growth/
13 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/cities/
of the seventy-first session on 23 December
2016. Bangladesh has also participated in
this conference. In the agenda, the following
Agenda is relevant with the accessibility issue
for the persons with disability.
Agenda 114: We will promote access for all to
safe, age and gender responsive, affordable,
accessible, and sustainable urban mobility
and land and sea transport systems, enabling
meaningful participation in social and economic
activities in cities and human settlements, by
integrating transport and mobility plans into
overallurbanandterritorialplansandpromoting
a wide range of transport and mobility options,
in particular through supporting:
• A significant increase in accessible safe,
efficient, affordable, and sustainable
infrastructure for public transport as
well as non-motorized options such as
walking and cycling, prioritizing them
over private motorized transportation;
• Equitable Transit Oriented Development
(TOD) that minimizes the displacement
in particular of the poor and features
affordable, mixed income housing and a
mix of jobs and services;
• Better and coordinated transport land
use planning, leading to a reduction of
travel and transport needs, enhancing
connectivity between urban, peri urban,
and rural areas, including waterways
Sadarghat Launch Terminal
Barrier at the TSC Entrance

21
and transport and mobility planning,
particularly for small islands developing
States and coastal cities;
Urban freight planning and logistics concepts
that enable efficient access to products
and services, minimizing the impact of the
environment and the livability of the city and
maximizing their contribution to sustained,
inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
Research Constraints
In this study, women of all types of disabilities
could not be included in Audit Team as members
as per the Persons with Disabilities Rights and
Protection Act (PDRP Act) 2013. The reasons
were–thetotalresearchbudgetwaslimitedand
the duration of the study was short to conduct
the accessibility with the support of all types
of women with disabilities (like women with
Autism, other neuro-developmental disability
etc.). The whole research was conducted on
broad daylight as a result we couldn’t address
the problems which persons with disabilities
face at night. We had to minimize the research
area in the Dhaka City only for which we did
the sampling vividly. Other than Department
of Women Affairs, we mainly observed the
infrastructural conditions of different places. To
observe all of the places thoroughly, we needed
a bigger team and ample time.
Ethical Clearance
The B-SCAN Ethical Review Committee
approved the ethical clearance of this study
while collecting data and information from
persons with disabilities. The research team
collected data according to the consent of the
participants.
Chapter 1. Introduction
Sadarghat Launch Jetty

22
Accessibility is not to be confused with usability,
which is the extent to which a product (such as
a device, service, or environment) can be used
by specified users to achieve specified goals
with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in
a specified context of use.
Accessibility is strongly related to universal
design which is the process of creating products
that are usable by people with the widest
possible range of abilities, operating within
the widest possible range of situations. This is
about making things accessible to all people
(whether they have a disability or not).
Accessibility
‘Accessible’14
means a person with a disability
is afforded the opportunity to acquire the
same information, engage in the same
interactions, and enjoy the same services as
a person without a disability in an equally
effective and equally integrated manner,
with substantially equivalent ease of use.
The person with a disability must be able to
obtain the information as fully, equally and
independently as a person without a disability.
14 https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/investigations/11116002-b.html
Types of disability and
the requirements for their
accessibility
PDRP Act 2013 recognizes 13 types of persons
with disabilities including multiple and other
kind of disabilities. Different types of disability
can be divided into few parts for accessibility
issues. Those are physical, visual, hearing and
cognitive.
Chapter 2
Accessibility
Considerations
Drain between footpath and road

23
Duration of the Research
The research has been conducted during
April to June 2018. The situational analysis
study was completed based on the following
methodology-
Selection of Research Area
Following places were chosen for the situational
analysis based on the most used places
which are not accessible for the women with
disabilities, like- Public Transportation, Public
Toilet and different government services. The
selected places were -
• Airport Railway Station (Uttara)
• Airport Bus Station (Uttara)
• One Individual Private Transport (Bus)
• Shadarghat Launch Terminal
• Teachers-Students Center (TSC) of
University of Dhaka
• Public Toilet at Pantha Kunja
• Head Office of Department of Women
Affairs (DWA)
Formation of Audit Team
An Audit Team was formed to observe, visit
and inspect the selected places and to inform
the research team about their findings on
existing accessibility features. The Audit Team
was selected considering different disabilities
and women with disabilities (like – women with
Physical disability, Visual disability, Low vision,
Hearing disability, Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual
disability). The Audit Team comprised of 7 team
members (6 women with disabilities and 1 man
with disability). Persons with disabilities who
are student, job holder & unemployed were
included in the Audit Team as members. The
Audit Team was oriented beforehand on their
responsibilities to perform the accessibility
audit in the selected places in half day long
workshop.
Data Collection
For data collection purpose the following tools
were used -
Meeting with the Director General of Department of Women Affairs
Chapter 3
Methodology
Chapter 3. Methodology

24
Questionnaires
Questionnaires were developed by the audit
team, Civil engineers, Architects, Consultants
and B-SCAN team. Separate questionnaires
were developed for each of the selected places
and services (Questionnaires are enclosed as
Annex)
Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
Three FGDs were facilitated with persons with
hearing disabilities, physical disabilities, visual
disabilities and wheelchair users. A FGD group
comprised of 10-15 participants (persons with
disabilities and women with disabilities). Each
FGD was facilitated for 3 hours.
Key Informant Interview (KII)
Key Informant Interviews were conducted with
relevant multi stakeholders, like - BRTA, BRTC,
BIWTA, DTCA, DSCC, DOA, PWD, IMED, LGED,
DWA.
15 http://www.rajukdhaka.gov.bd/rajuk/page/web/devcontrol/DhakaImaratNirmanBidhimala-2008.pdf
16 http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/bangla_all_sections.php?id=1126
17 http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/bangla_all_sections.php?id=1134
18 https://msw.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/msw.portal.gov.bd/page/23f6e7f2_b3f0_4044_a25f_ac1394b0d22c/The%20
Rights%20and%20Protection%20of%20Person%E2%80%99s%20with%20Disability%20Rules%2C%202015%20%281%29.pdf
19 https://msw.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/msw.portal.gov.bd/page/23f6e7f2_b3f0_4044_a25f_ac1394b0d22c/Nuro-
Developmental%20Disability%20Trust%20Rules%202015.pdf
20 https://urlzs.com/7FDNz
Observation
Observation was done by the Audit Team and
Research Team based on direct observation,
photographs. videos and on spot consultation.
Review of Secondary
Document
The following documents, policies, acts etc.
were reviewed -
National Instruments
• Dhaka Building Construction Rules 2008
(Universal Accessibility: Episode 7, Article
64 and Appendix 2)¹⁵
• Persons with Disabilities Rights and
Protection Act, 201316
• Neuro Developmental Disability
Protection Trust Act, 201317
• The Rights and Protection of Persons
with Disability Rules, 201518
• Neuro Developmental Disability
Protection Trust Rules 201519
• Integrated Multimodal Transport Policy
2013 (chapter 4.4, chapter 5, article 5.1.5)20
Student with disabilities of University of Dhaka
Persons with hearing disability

25
• Urban Transport Policy, November 201521
• The Metro Rail Act, 2015 (chapter 6,
article 20, reserved seats)22
• BNBC 2015 Final Draft (Part 3 - General
Building Requirements, Control and
Regulation page 3-128, pdf page 201)23
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Act, 2016
(chapter 6, article 22, reserved seats)24
• Road Transport Act, 2017 (article 7,
driving license)25
International Instruments
• United Nations Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)26
• ADA Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG) 200227
• Sustainable Development Goals
(5, 8 and 11)28
21 https://dtca.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/dtca.portal.gov.bd/page/2c9ed98b_602a_468b_84bc_6b4858449313/DFR_
UrbanTransport%20Policy%20(Edited).pdf
22 http://www.dpp.gov.bd/upload_file/gazettes/12518_31834.pdf
23 http://bsa.com.bd/cms_cpanel/upload/pdf_file_upload__1540152875.pdf
24 http://www.dpp.gov.bd/upload_file/gazettes/19663_52847.pdf
25 https://rthd.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/rthd.portal.gov.bd/law/9ee27d24_ac6d_4285_a7e5_d0d5d7fe18c1/BRTA%20
RULES,%202018.pdf
26 https://www.un.org/disabilities/documents/convention/convoptprot-e.pdf
27 https://www.access-board.gov/attachments/article/1350/adaag.pdf
28 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
29 http://iphnewdelhi.in/WriteReadData/Access%20Audit%20Checklist.pdf
30 https://www.maketherightreal.net/incheon-strategy/
31 http://habitat3.org/wp-content/uploads/NUA-English.pdf
• Indian accessibility audit check list under
the “Accessible India Campaign”29
• Incheon Strategy – Make the Right Real
(Plan of Action for achieving CRPD in
UNESCAP for Persons with Disabilities in
Asia and the Paciﬁc)30
• New Urban Agenda - Habitat iii31
Data Analysis
The collected data by the Audit Team and
the information gathered from secondary
document analysis, the analysis of all the
relevant information, data were analyzed by
the research team.
Chapter 3. Methodology
Focus Group Discussion Meeting

26
Through this research, the Audit Team has
identified the following barriers, limitations and
problemsintheexistinginfrastructuralfacilities,
transports, public places and also in the existing
public services which are not accessible for
different types of persons with disabilities,
especially the women with disabilities. Through
this study, the Audit Team has also identified
few good practices which are helpful for the
persons with disabilities including women with
disabilities.
The findings are described below-
Bus Stoppage
According to BRTA statistics32
a total of 6,897
approved buses from 204 companies are
operating on 289 routes. However, none of
them has permanent stoppage with shelter
to serve the passengers. Only BRTC, the state
owned bus service is exception.
The Audit Team observed the facilities of
BRTC bus stoppage at Airport with the lens
of accessibility for different types of people
with disabilities. The main features of the
observation are as follows -
There is no ramp at the entrance. The variation
inelevationbetweendifferentlayersinentrance
32 https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2018/08/05/pm-orders-dscc-lgrd-ministry-to-bring-city-s-bus-services-under-
6-companies
and road causes major barrier for wheelchair
users and persons with cerebral palsy and
physical disability to move independently.
Stoppage is on the footpath and the colour
contrast is not accurate and there are no tactile
guide lines for persons with visual disabilities.
Paths are uneven and the height of the footpath
is lower than the entrance landing of a bus and
there is a drain between the footpath and road.
Ticket counter is too high for a wheelchair user,
no shade available for protection from rain or
sunlight or any adverse situation, the price of
tickets for different destinations is displayed
on the glass window in hand written which is
very clear and light is not sufficient. No written
Chapter 4
Research Findings
No support for persons with hearing disabilities at the Bus Ticket
Counter

27
information about ticket dissemination, bus
arrival and departure which makes it difficult
for persons with hearing disabilities to get
the information independently. The counter is
located between two road lanes which making
it difficult for persons with disabilities to safely
and easily access it. Staffs are also not oriented
to deal with persons with disabilities.
Thedistancebetweenshelterandticketcounter
is around twenty meters. Buses usually stop at
the ticket counter. So there is a little scope for
the passengers of BRTC to use the shelter.
Speedy implementation of Bus Route
Rationalization plan and managing buses
under a company planned by late DNCC Mayor
Anisul Haque. A coordination committee33
has been formed under Local Government,
Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives
ministries to bring discipline in Dhaka City’s
transport sector. DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon
has been made convener to the committee and
Mayor of DNCC Mayor its joint convener.
Good Practices - Bangladesh Road Transport
Corporation (BRTC) and Dhaka Transport
33 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/body-formed-discipline-dhaka-transport-for-road-safety-1631908
Coordination Authority (DTCA) have officially
launched an app for bus naming ‘Koto Dur’ since
December 2017. IT service provider Business
Automation Limited and Ideation Technology
Solutions supported BRTC to develop the
mobile app. As per a notice from Business
Automation Limited, aiming to making the
public transport system in Dhaka disciplined,
BRTC stepped into digital age and launched
a mobile app ‘Koto Dur’ to relief the general
people from the nuisance regarding public
transport. The app is in use in Nabinagar-Gabtoli
route in Dhaka on trial basis. Previously, the app
has been considered successful being launched
on trial basis in Abdullahpur-Motijheel and
Nabinagar-Motijheel route. The app is available
in the Google Play Store. Still there is a lack of
dissemination of information to mass public
about the availability of this app. Only in the
bus ticket counters, the availability of this app
is mentioned. By using the Android Application
‘Koto Dur’, commuters can view all incoming
or outgoing buses for a particular stop or his/
her current location with this application. These
sorts of digital services can also have user
friendly accessible features for person with
disabilities.
No way to ride a bus for a wheelchair user Crutch user riding a bus with so much risk
Chapter 4. Research Findings

28
Recommendations
Adjustment in Existing structure
• A ramp needs to be built at the entrance of platforms.
• The buses need to be stopped in a fixed place which will be adjusted reasonably so that
people from platform can enter the bus without any barrier.
• Change the colour contrast to distinguish between surfaces and fittings/fixtures.
• Set up way findings in different directions.
• Display the information of ticket dissemination, bus arrival and departure.
• The displayed information of ticket price for different destination needs to be printed or
written with clear handwriting.
Consideration for new set up
• All the bus companies should have fixed ticket counters of their own services.
• The window of the ticket counter needs to be made lower considering comfortable sight
of wheelchair users.
• The footpath or landing height needs to match with the bus entrance height.
• Set up tactile guide line at the front of the entrance.
• Bus Stoppage Shelters need to be adjoining to the ticket counters.
• Consider colour contrast in every aspect.
• Orientation of ticket sales persons by concern authority on how to communicate with
persons with hearing/speech/intellectual disabilities.
• There needs to be specific parking at the bus stoppage and reserve parking for persons
with disabilities need to be ensured as well.
Ticket Counter at bus stand

29
Railway Station
Rail is a principal mode of transportation in
Bangladesh.TheBangladeshRailwaysystemhas
a total length of 2,929.50route km, 4341.58km
track rail line network connects 44 districts of
the country. Beside that 13 projects is under
construction for the development of railway.
After importing the rail cars from Indonesia for
the advanced service and some of those rail cars
are now has accessibility for wheelchair users.
The Audit Team observed the facilities of Airport
Railway Station with the lens of accessibility
for different types of people with disabilities.
Airport Railway Station is the second stoppage
for trains in Dhaka, after Kamlapur Railway
Station. The main features of the observation
are as follows -
The Airport Railway Station entrance has a
very steep ramp and it is partially blocked by
the collapsible gate. Entry and exit point is the
same which is not suitable for persons with
disabilities during the rush hour. Path is wide
enough for wheelchair and crutch users. Stairs
have no tactile guide at the top and at the
bottom of those steps and noising also have
no colour mark. There is no tactile guideline
for persons with visual disability for direction
of different places including train platform. The
thresh holes of collapsible doors have large
gap which creates problem for persons with
wheelchair users and crutch users. There is a
ticket counter for persons with disabilities and
general women together. But the passage is
narrow for a wheelchair user to get in and turn
around to get out of the lane. Ticket counter
height is not proper for wheelchair user and
there is no one to support with Bangla sign
language. Colour contrast is not appropriate to
distinguishedfurnitureorobjectsandthereisno
audible indicator or directions; announcement
is late compared to the arrival and departure
of the trains and the sound is not clear enough
to listen in chaos. No accessible toilet is found
and the public toilets are very unhygienic.
Written information of train departure and
arrival on screen is too small to read for persons
with low vision. No sign posts or pictogram or
Huge gap between the platform and the train and steps are also
high
Ticket counter lane is too narrow for a wheelchair user Risky to ride a train, no ramp support

30
way findings are there to guide persons with
intellectual disability or non-literate.
There is a spacious waiting room at the station
but no priority seating place are reserve for
persons with disabilities. Shovon Class Waiting
room has a large toilet but door is too narrow
to enter with a wheelchair. Platforms are wide
enough but no tactile guide line available.
Garbage are dumped right in front of the water
point which made the place very unhygienic.
There is no designated parking place at the
station. That’s why reserve parking place for
persons with disabilities is absent and the
accessibility is also been ignored. Parking is in
an open place in front of the station.
Good Practices - There is a water point at the
platform made by WaterAid and Robi.
Recommendations
Adjustment in Existing structure
All ramps need to maintain ratio, handrail which is mandatory for ramp and stairs
• There needs to be clear colour mark at the nosing of stairs for persons with low vision and
also tactile guideline at the top and bottom of the stairs
• Entry and Exit point needs to be separated for persons with disabilities
• Clear sign post of different directions needs to be made
• Train arrival and departure time schedules needs to be visible in written and audio form in
the platforms and station
• Audio announcement needs to be more clear for the persons with visual disability and hard
of hearing
• At the platform, train departure and arrival time schedule needs to be in larger font for
clear view for persons with low vision
• Reserve parking areas need to be created
• There needs to be a portable ramp for wheelchair users to ride on and off the train. The
authority of the station needs to manage the process
• The staffs need to be oriented on how to communicate with the persons with disabilities
• The glass doors need to be marked by universal colour contrast caution stickers for safety
measures
• Drinking tap needs to be used with user friendly accessibility (lever type etc.) features for
different types of persons with disabilities at the water point. Glass is not hygienic to drink
water in public places at the water point.

31
• All ramps need to maintain ratio, handrail, corrugated and tactile tiles which are mandatory
for ramps as per BNBC
• Set up tactile warning at top and bottom of the ramp and stairs and tactile guideline for
the entire station from entrance to the platform eg. ticket counter, waiting room, platform
of the train
• Need colour contrast in every aspect eg. ticket counter, waiting room, platform of the
station
• Platform pathway needs to be smooth and stable
• Waiting room needs to have reserve seat and place for persons with disabilities
• A clear notice needs to be provided for priority seating area
• An information desk needs to be created for the travelers
• Accessible toilet needs to be made (special assistance service can be created for persons
with disabilities) and MHM needs be considered as well
• Water point accessibility has to be arranged and hygiene needs to be maintained properly
and places need to be made parallel with the level of the ground
• Every train needs to have minimum five accessible compartments along with accessible
toilet as well as the accessibility signage
• Engage persons or representatives from the persons with disabilities organizations (PDO)
for better output of the facilities.
• There needs to be specific parking at the Railway Station and reserve parking for persons
Railway Station Water Point

32
Launch Terminal
Bangladesh, as a riverine country with 24,000
km waterways, has a navigable network varying
from 5923 km during the monsoon shrinking to
3865 km during the dry season. Its inland water
transport (IWT) continues to be an important
mode of transport. IWT fleet comprises dry
and liquid bulk ships of up to 3,000 deadweight
tons (DWTs), mainly trading on the Class I river
routes. Moreover, the size of the IWT fleet is
growing and currently there are over 22,300
registered vessels which carry over 50% of all
freight traffic and one quarter of all passenger
traffic. In addition, there are some 750,000
country (traditional) boats, a substantial part of
which have been mechanized.34
Sadarghat terminal, the major riverine port for
waterways transportation. The main features
of the observation are as follows -
The BIWTA Launch Terminal caters hundreds
of medium and large passenger launches
every day. According to the terminal officials
30,000 people, in average, use the terminal
daily for journey. Two different gates were
audited considering new (gate no.4) and old
(gate no.9) terminal. There is a large location
34 https://biwta.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/biwta.portal.gov.bd/page/4e97b481_943e_4ca4_ae8a_a325b0aac1b9/Final%20
Report_Executive%20Summary.pdf
map outside, right beside the gate no. 9. But
the colour contrast is not perfect for persons
with low vision. The entrance platform of new
terminal is connected with the road through
a ramp which is covered by parking tiles. The
ramp has a slope ratio of 1:6 which is very risky
and not recommended for any wheelchair user
to use comfortably. There is no accessible ramp
for persons with disabilities at the old terminal
gate to access the entrance platform or the
platform ticket counter directly from the road
or to drop off. The entire entrance is consists of
continuous stairs from the road level (04 steps).
The entrance is not slip resistance though it
has enough width. No tactile or guide rail are
present. The entry is controlled and secured
with purchasable ticket system. The reception
desk is not identifiable from the entrance,
level of lighting is extremely low even in the
daytime and it is not in a quiet place either. No
particular person is assigned to assist persons
with disabilities. There is no separate queue for
the persons with disabilities. The person at the
desk is willful to serve persons with disabilities.
However they lack proper knowledge/skill
or special training to serve different types of
persons with disabilities.
There are three general opening counters
and one separate counter is for persons with
disabilities but it is closed. Counter height
Most of the information counters are not at the height of a
wheelchair user
Toilet doors are narrow to enter with a wheelchair

33
is not acceptable for wheelchair users. No
special service for persons with disabilities is
written or noticeable and no written or audible
announcement of the information of launch
arrival or departure time at the counter. There
is no formal or specific waiting space at the old
terminal, the new terminal contains one and
thatisnotaccessibleforwheelchairusersbyany
means and located at the 2nd floor, connected
through only stairs. The place is wide enough to
enter with a wheelchair, good level of daylight
is available but there is no reserve seat for
persons with disabilities though it’s a spacious
waiting room. The gangway has sufficient
width, it is sloped for a long distance and there
is no scope for a wheelchair user to turn around
at some point. Terminal surface is not even,
too much undulation. The path from platform
to enter launch is not safe and accessible for
persons with disabilities. No portable ramp was
found to assist the wheelchair users both in ride
or land into or from the launch or to terminal.
There are two toilet zones located at the new
and old terminal. The toilets of the old terminal
have been audited as per the suggestion of the
authority. Because pathway to the new one is
block by the cargo stacks and is temporarily
being used by the cargo labors. The old terminal
toilets seem ambiguous because there are no
demarcations for male and female users. There
is also a reserve toilet which is locked. There is
no high commode. No basin inside the cubicle
andnomirrorinthefemaletoilet.Noemergency
Alarm system is available. Drinking water
facility is too high and taps are not reachable
for wheelchair users. There are only two taps
which is not sufficient for huge numbers of
terminal users and those are also not lever type
taps for persons with finger mobility, especially
for persons with cerebral palsy. The place is not
hygienic.
Most of the places don’t have proper colour
contrasts with the fittings and furniture, no
audible signals and no sign post or way findings
for different directions are available. Parking is
in an open place beside the terminal. There is
no reserve parking for persons with disabilities.
Riding a Launch is very dangerous for all

34
The Audit Team also visit the luxurious launch
Sundarban- 10 to look for its accessible facilities
for persons with disabilities. The entrance area
of the launch is wide enough for wheelchair
user. The wooden entrance ramp to the launch
is very risky for all people with disabilities
and general people also. The path of travel is
acceptable inside the launch but the corridor to
washroom is very slippery. The toilet door is not
wide enough to enter with wheelchair. There is
a lift but it is inaccessible (too narrow entrance)
for wheelchair users.
Good Practices - A separate counter is there
for persons with disabilities. The persons with
disabilities are allowed to enter the platform for
free.
Recommendations
Adjustment in existing set up
• Set up ramp with standard ratio at the entrance as per the BNBC.
• Use tactile guideline in each segment of the terminal for persons with visual disability.
• Change the colour where necessary for perfect contrast for persons with low vision.
• Use visual and tactile warnings at top and bottom of the stairs and ramps for persons with
visual disability.
• The signage for reception counter needs to be located at the entry of the platform outside
as it will be easy to understand before entering the main platform.
• Provide basic orientation on the needs and priorities of different types of persons with
disabilities so that the person at the desks can serve better.
• Renovate some undulation area in terminal and gangway to make it smooth and even for
persons with disabilities to pass by
• Wide ramp with railing is mandatory for the entrance of the launch.
• Make the counter for persons with disabilities active and provide clear information of
services and departure/arrival of launches in written form.
• Departure/Arrival of launches from different destination need to be announced by the
loudspeaker.
• All ramps need to maintain ratio, handrail, corrugated and tactile tiles which are mandatory
for ramps as per BNBC
• The height and reach of the information desk need to consider the needs of people with
disabilities
• The info desk needs to be located in a quiet place. Basic Bangla Sign Language support
needs to be provided
• All the surface need to be slip resistant
• Use tactile guide for different directions at the terminal for persons with visual disabilities
• Waiting Room needs to be made at the ground floor with accessible toilet
• Set up accessible toilet for persons with disabilities at both toilet zones located at the new
& old terminal. Menstrual Hygiene needs to be maintained properly
• Reserve few cabins with accessibility features for persons with disabilities
• Make at least one toilet inside the launch with basic accessibility features
• Service providing on call needs to be available for persons with disabilities
• There needs to be specific parking at the Launch Terminal and reserve parking for persons

35
Public Toilet
Modern public toilets in the capital city are
changing the ideas of people especially women
and easing the sufferings of people working
and travelling outdoors. Earlier, most of the
public toilets in the capital were unhygienic.
But, newly constructed toilets are equipped
with modern facilities, friendly to women and
persons with disabilities. These toilets have
separate chambers for male and female, locker,
hand washing point, shower, safe drinking
water facility, 24/7 electricity, CCTV camera,
professional cleaner and female caretakers.
Two City Corporations and WaterAid joint
venture have already opened 26 modern public
toilets in the capital for the use of people.
More 10 new public toilets will be opened soon.
Observing the success of these modern public
toilets, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC)
and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) have
planned to build around 200 modern public
toilets in the capital to ease the suffering of
people.Earlier,CityCorporationoperatedpublic
toilets through lease. But in the case of these
new public toilets, the authorities appointed
professional cleaning company to operate and
Good Practice:The public toilet’s
entrance is made with no step;
the ratio of the slope is very easy
to enter with wheelchairs.There
is a good use of signage at the
public toilet.
No step easy access to the public toilet
Water Point taps are not lever type for persons with finger mobility
Distance is huge between the basin and commode

36
maintain those.35
The Audit Team observed the facilities of a
modern public toilet of Pantha Kunja Park
beside Bangla Motor. The main features of the
observation are as follows –
The entrance consists of three different layers
such as pedestrian walkway, an entry ramp
covering the setback and the entry gate. But the
pedestrian walkway is high from the road level.
Thereisaveryuserfriendlyrampattheentrance
of the toilet. The path of travel is stable, firm and
slip-resistant and is wide enough for wheelchair
or crutch users. There is no tactile guide line.
Sign posts are acceptable for information but
colour contrast are not perfect. Information
counter height is acceptable. The toilet door
is not double hinged or sliding. There is a huge
distance between the commode and basin,
mirror is too high for wheelchair user, there is
no sanitary napkin available for management
of menstrual hygiene, flush controls are not
35 https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/294414/2018/03/11/Modern-public-toiletsmake-city-smarter
lever type. The public toilet location is not
easily visible and the surroundings are very
much unhygienic. Door can only be locked from
inside only, no option to open it from outside in
case of emergency and there is no emergency
alarm system. Overall the toilet is accessible.
The drinking water facility is hardly accessible
for persons with disabilities. The water point
is located in the main circulation area with
no reserve zone. There is no sufficient room
to reach and use the three water point at the
same time and the taps are not lever type and
the trey under the taps splashes water on the
user’s body. The floor-surface of the toilet is
slippery which is risky for crutch/stick/walker
users. The personnel at the counter is willful to
assist persons with disabilities.
Good Practice: The public toilet’s entrance is
made with no step; the ratio of the slope is very
easy to enter with wheelchairs. There is a good
use of signage at the public toilet.
Recommendations
• Flush control, wash basin taps need to have lever type facilities for easy usage of persons
with disabilities.
• Tactile guideline needs to be set up at the front of the entrance, at the corridor, inside the
toilet to identify WC and in front of the water point.
• The personnel at the counter are willful to assist persons with disabilities. They need basic
orientation on the needs and priorities of different types of people with disabilities.
• Colour contrast needs to be reorganized in each segment of the set up.
• The door needs to have push lock to open it from outside in case of emergency.
• In case of emergency there needs to be an alarm system facilities within easy reach to alert
persons outside including visual alarm to alert people with hearing disability in case of
emergency.
• The toilet needs to be hygienic, kept clean and well-maintained. Sanitary napkins need to
be there.
• The mirror inside the toilet needs to be reinstalled at accessible height which will be user
friendly for wheelchair users.

37
• The floor surfaces need to make with slip-resistant materials.
• Width of the corridor needs to be increased or water point needs to be removed from the
corridor.
• Toilet door needs to be sliding/double hinged type.
• The WC needs to be installed in a corner from the adjacent wall.
• Flush control, wash basin taps needs to have lever type facilities.
• Wash basin needs to be closer to the WC.
• An upward movable or horizontal grab bar needs to be installed at open side of the
commode.
• In case of emergency there needs to be an alarm system (with visual facility for person with
hearing disability) within easy reach of wheelchair user to alert persons outside.
• The door needs to have push lock to open it from outside in case of emergency.
• The drinking water facility needs to be installed lower than present set up. The trey need to
be deep so that it does not splash water back.
• There needs to be a specific parking and reserve parking for persons with disabilities need
to be ensured as well.
Pantha Kunja Public Toilet

38
Teachers-Students Center
(TSC) - University of Dhaka
The Teacher-Student Center (TSC)36
of the
University of Dhaka came into being in 1961.
It is certainly historically important, known to
render services to the studentS and teachers
as well as to other communities of the society
with its facilities.
Teacher-Student Centre, the only one of its kind
in Bangladesh, is an all-campus activity center
designed for relaxation and guidance. It has its
value as community center unifying the life of
the university and serves as a sponsor of self-
directed activity in which students learn that
they are responsible for the welfare of their
university and their country. The Centre seeks
to foster a type of campus community life which
supplements the formal academic programme
of the University.
The Audit Team observed the facilities of TSC
buildings with the lens of accessibility for
different types of persons with disabilities. The
main features of the observation are as follows-
There is no ramp at the entrance but the path
is wide enough for wheelchair and crutch
users and it is acceptably slip resistant. The
lighting is adequate and well positioned
before the entrance but very low light after
the entrance, even in the daylight. There
is no elevator or platform lift for vertical
36 http://www.du.ac.bd/home/office_and_admin/tsc
circulation; it’s only through the old wooden
stairs. There are handrails but it is not slip-
resistant handrails (wooden) on each side of
stairs. All the steps of the stairs are individual
and not connected to each other which may
cause serious accident. Auditorium has easy
entrance and there is sufficient space for
wheelchair user and the seats can be arranged
easily because all of those are flexible to
move. But no reserve place are available for
wheelchair users. The lighting is not adequate
and the stage is not accessible though there is a
temporary ramp to the stage through the green
room, but that is very steep and very dangerous
to use for wheelchair users.
Canteen has self-service system, but there is no
special arrangement for persons with mobility
disability. The row between the different seats
No sign language support at TSC
Steps of the stairs are individual TSC Auditorium stage has no ramp

39
hassufficientspacetopassforawheelchairuser.
The food choice counter height is acceptable for
a person sitting in a wheelchair to communicate
but it is not usable for receiving food. There
is no food and price chart for persons with
hearing disability. Wash basin height of canteen
is acceptable but there is no mirror and lighting
condition is low and the colour contrast is not
perfect. One of the basin inside the canteen
is damage and leaking water. The field has no
accessible route from the corridor and it is not
smooth enough to move with different assistive
devices. The book stall entrance door wide but
the passage width is not enough for wheelchair
or crutch users. There is good and acceptable
level of lighting. A person sitting in a wheelchair
cannot see over the sells counter comfortably.
No braille or audiobooks are available. The
staffs are not trained to communicate through
Bangla sign language with persons with hearing
disabilities.
There are two different toilet for male and
female. Both the toilet has bad smells and
not well maintained, thus it remains dirty and
unhygienic. There is no accessible cubicle in the
female and male toilet blocks. The door opens
outward.
Over all most of the places don’t have proper
colour contrasts with the fittings and furniture,
no audible signals and no sign post for different
directions are available. There is a parking lot
available for visitors and staffs. But no formally
defined parking area for the users. There is
an open space in front of the building which
is used as parking area. No accessible parking
bays reserved for persons with disabilities.
Very unhygienic toilet and no accessibility for persons with
disabilities
Recommendations
• Small ramp needs to be installed at the entrance which will cover the floor and entry pave
and the road level. It will require minimum cost, but will give a big message that the TSC is
welcoming people with disabilities.
• There needs to be sign posts for different directions. It will be helpful not only for the
people with disabilities, but also for many people who visits the place.
• Tactile indicator needs to be set up in all required position including parking, entrance,
corridor, auditorium, cafeteria and toilets etc.
• All the staffs responsible for different services and facilities of TSC need to have basic
orientation on how to serve people with different types of disabilities.
• The top and bottom of the stairs needs to have visual and tactile warnings.
• A ramp with reasonable ratio needs to be installed to get on to the stage.
• Need to make the brail and audio books available in the book stall.
• In the parking bays there needs to be reserve area for persons with disabilities at the
nearest place of accessible entrance.

40
• The toilets of TSC are not aligned with minimum standards of this top level university of
Bangladesh.
• The existing toilets should be renovated with all modern facilities including universal
accessibility. There is enough space around the toilet. Persons with different types of
disabilities or the persons with disabilities organizations need to be consulted for design at
the implementation phases. The design phase need to be also included in the management
system of these toilets, so that the toilet can be maintained properly.
• The University authority is in a process to build a multi-purpose building at the swimming
pool area of the TSC. This building needs to follow the principal of Universal Design to
make sure the accessibility of all, including persons with disabilities.
• There needs to be specific parking at the TSC and reserve parking for persons with
disabilities need to be ensured as well.
Teachers-Students Center (TSC) - University of Dhaka

41
Department of Women Affairs
Building
After the war of independence the Government
of Bangladesh adopted widespread programs
in 1972 to rehabilitate the women who were
tortured and raped by Pakistani military.
Also the government made provisions for
employment and allowance for wives and
daughters of those who embraced martyrdom
in the War of Liberation. The government
founded the Bangladesh Women Rehabilitation
Board in 1972. The major terms of reference of
this board are: (a) conduct survey to collect
correct information about the women and
children abused and to arrange for their
rehabilitation;and,(b)impartvariousvocational
training of these survivor women. The board
was transformed into Women Rehabilitation
and Welfare Foundation in 1974.37
In 1984 the
FoundationwasmergedwithWomenAffairsCell
and National Women Development Academy
and become the Directorate (Poridoptor) of
Women Affairs. From 1990 it became a full
Directorate (Odhidoptor).
Currently the function of the Directorate is
divided into six clusters:
• Socio-Economic Development and Social
Protection (11 Programs)
• Awareness raising and gender equality (3
Programs)
37 https://mowca.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/mowca.portal.gov.bd/policies/64238d39_0ecd_4a56_b00c_b834cc54f88d/
National-Women%20Development%20Policy-2011English.pdf
• Human resource development and Self
Employment (11 Programs)
• Poverty reduction and employment
generation (2 Programs)
• Combating violence against women and
children (3 Programs)
• Institutional facilities and services (2
Programs)
Directorate Head Quarter with the lens of
accessibility for different types of people with
disabilities. The team also tried to explore the
accessibility of persons with disabilities to
services and programs of the Directorate by
interviewing relevant persons and reviewing
the documents.
a) Access to Infrastructure
There is a ramp at the entrance and it is wide
enough though the ratio is below the standard
of building code. No handrail, no tactile guide
line is used at the bottom and top of the ramp
or stairs. Entrance door is wooden framed
glass door, where the transparent glass
makes ambiguous impression with no colour
contrast and becomes a threatening element
for persons with low vision. The entrance does
not have any audible signal. The height of the
information desk is in an acceptable height for
a wheelchair user. The colour contrast is not
perfect to distinguish between surfaces and
Ramp at the entrance
Ramp ratio is not made according to the building code

Accessibility audit-report-2018 study on situation of access to the infrastructures of public service institutions for persons with disabilities

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