B-SCAN Annual Report July 2022 - June 2023

1. Annual Report
July 2022 - June 2023
Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus
Flat - G1 (ground floor) House 40, Road 5, Block E, Banasree, Dhaka-1219.
Phone: 02 55124386, Mobile: 01676828874, E-mail: info@b-scan.org
Website: www.b-scan.org, www.buag.info www.oporajeyo.com

2. Background
Bangladesh Society for the Change and Advocacy Nexus (B-SCAN), as a voluntary
Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) run by women with disabilities work for
inclusive education, along with accessible transport and universal accessibility for
persons with disabilities and do advocacy works with government and non-government
organizations for establishing their citizens’ rights. Ensuring accessibility through
advocacy in Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation,
Department of Women Affairs, National Museum, University of Dhaka areas are some of
the mentionable successes of B-SCAN. Along with these, to make persons with
disabilities specially women with disabilities economically empowered and establishing
themselves in the society with dignity, B-SCAN is conducting various activities including-
internship for employment, entrepreneurship training and giving interest free loan. B-
SCANwas founded in 2009 and the organization was registered with Joint Stock and
Firms in 2014.
B-SCAN is the founding member of the National Network of Organizations of persons
with disabilities - Protibondhi Nagorik Shongothoner Parishad (PNSP), which was formed
in 2014.
Goal
Build a diverse and inclusive Society for persons with disabilities with the assurance of
rights, inherent dignity alongside full and effective participation.
Mission
Establish a discrimination free inclusive society for persons with disabilities through
promoting culture of representation, capacity building and elimination of environmental
and policy barrier from the state and society.

3. 1. Accessible Bangladesh for All Program
1.1 Kamalapur Railway Station Toilet Visit
One of the challenges that persons with disabilities
face in Bangladesh is the lack of accessible toilets
in public places. This affects their dignity, health,
and mobility, and prevents them from participating
fully in social and economic activities. To address
this issue, WaterAid, an international organization
that works to improve access to safe water,
sanitation, and hygiene, has built an accessible
toilet outside the Kamalapur Railway Station in
Dhaka. A B-SCAN team consisting of three
members visited the toilet on 14 July 2022 to
assess its accessibility and functionality. The team
found that the toilet was built in a very limited space, but it incorporated some accessibility
features for all users, including persons with disabilities. Kamalapur Railway Station still lacks
an accessible toilet inside the station.
1.2 Attended consultation meeting on Digital Accessibility
A consultation meeting with Digital Accessibility Expert for
getting an idea about the overall situation, the challenges of
and barriers to disability inclusive digital literacy, and to
develop advocacy and action plan and to help design training
for persons with disability in order to conduct a research work,
organized by Center for Disability in Development on 10
August, 2022 through google meet. Mayeen Ahmed (Disability
& Inclusion Expert) moderated the meeting. Two participants,
Iftekhar Mahmud, Coordinator & Mahfuz Raqeev, Program
Officer from B-SCAN attended the meeting.
1.3 Meeting with the CEO of Bangladesh
Tourism Board
A 3-member team of B-SCAN met the CEO of the Tourism
Board on 28 August 2022 to draw his attention for ensuring
accessibility of persons with disabilities. He informed us that
the Bangladesh government has taken the initiative to shape
our tourism sector. At this stage Bangladesh Tourism Board
(BTB) has specified 1500 tourist spots. These places are being

4. master planned to make it accessible for all citizens and this task has been entrusted to an
Indian consultion firm.
We came to know that there was a master plan developing for the tourism spots all over
Bangladesh to build a sustainable tourism industry attracting more inbound and domestic
tourists.
1.4 Meeting with the Deputy Secretary of Bangladesh Tourism Board
The B-SCAN team had a meeting with the BTB on 29
August 2022. They informed us that they are making a
master plan of 1500 hundred tourist spots and among those
52 spots are primarily selected for the piloting. B-SCAN
also met the consultant of the project and they have
requested B-SCAN to provide a total idea on how the tourist
spots can be made accessible for all through a
presentation.
1.5 Advocacy Meeting with the Consultant of Bangladesh Tourism
Board
The Bangladesh government has taken the initiative to shape our tourism sector. At this stage
Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) has specified 1500 tourist spots. These places are being
master planned to make it accessible for all citizens and this task has been entrusted to an
Indian consulting firm.
B-SCAN organized an Advocacy meeting with that Indian firm in collaboration with BTB on
26 September 2022 where we tried to give ideas about what measures can be taken for

5. persons with disabilities at various tourist spots. They understood our issues, some
information and assistive devices were very new to them. They told us that they will talk to
BTB on how these accessibility features can be implemented in the context of our country.
1.6 Meeting with the Director General of the Department of
Archaeology
A meeting with the Director General of the Department of
Archaeology occurred on 28 August 2022. We have
proposed making various historical places accessible for
persons with disabilities. He informed us that he has
already started it but still needs a lot of work to be done.
1.7 Bangladesh Accessibility Awareness Campaign (BAAC) supported
by EMK Center
The objective of the Bangladesh Accessibility Awareness Campaign 2023 project was to
raise awareness and increase understanding of the importance of Universal Accessibility
among the stakeholders in Bangladesh, according to BNBC-2020. Through this objective,
the project tried to create opportunities to engage key stakeholders, youth builders and
decision-makers in the process of understanding the need for accessible infrastructure
and service delivery for all citizens regardless of ability, and to encourage the
implementation of Universal Accessibility guidelines to promote the independent mobility
of persons with disabilities.
1.7.1 Campaign Workshop at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology
DUET 24 May 2023
On 24 May 2023 a day-long campaign workshop
on universal accessibility was conducted by B-
SCAN in association with the Department of Civil
Engineering, Department of Architecture of
Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology
(DUET) & in association with ASCE Student
Chapter, in Gazipur. Overall 35 Students from
Civil Engineering and Architecture attended the
workshop. The workshop was focused on raising
awareness and dissemination of the Bangla
Universal Accessibility Guideline (www.buag.info)
among engineering students. The guidelines were jointly developed by B-SCAN and MAS
Studio.

6. The workshop consisted of three sessions, each covering a different aspect of universal
accessibility. The first session was an inaugural session, where the guests and organizers
gave their welcome speeches and introduced the objectives and agenda of the workshop.
Also was a presentation session, where Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of B-SCAN,
gave a presentation on the concept and importance of universal accessibility and the
contribution of B-SCAN in promoting it in Bangladesh. MAS Studio also gave the overview
of the BUAG. The second session was a disability orientation session, where Iftekhar
Mahmud, Coordinator of B-SCAN, gave a disability orientation to the students and taught
them how to interact and communicate with persons with disabilities in a respectful and
inclusive manner. The fourth session was a discourse session, where Ar. Fahim Hasin
Sahan and his teammates Ar. Khatib Taniza Bari and Ar. Mostaque Ahmed of MAS
Studio, gave a discourse on the BUAG. At the end group work was accumulated by the
students of DUET. The BUAG is a comprehensive and user-friendly guideline that
provides standards and specifications for designing accessible buildings and facilities for
persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. The discourse session also included a group work
activity, where the students were divided into groups and asked to apply the BUAG to
design an accessible building or facility.
Prof Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, Head of the Dept. of Architecture, Prof. Dr Md. Akramul Alam,
Head of the Dept. of Civil and Prof Dr Md. Khasru Miah, Dept of Civil gave their valuable
speech at the workshop. A welcome speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Md. Khasru.
1.7.2 Accessibility Campaign Workshop in Bangladesh University of
Engineering and Technology (BUET)
On June 24, 2024, a similar campaign
workshop focusing on Universal
Accessibility was conducted in collaboration
with the Department of Civil Engineering,
Architecture, and Urban & Regional
Planning at BUET. The session was
effectively moderated by Mahfuzur Rahman,
Assistant Program Coordinator at B-SCAN.
Salma Mahbub, the General Secretary of B-
SCAN, commenced the event with a
presentation highlighting 'Universal
Accessibility and the Contribution of B-
SCAN.' Following her, Fahim Hasin Sahan delivered a presentation on 'An Overview of
Bangla Universal Accessibility Guideline.' A presentation on 'Accessibility, Usability, and
Inclusion: Universal Design for an Equitable Future of Bangladesh' was given by a
Research Architect from HBRI. The inaugural session was graced by the presence of
Asst. Prof. Maherul Kader Prince from the Department of Architecture, Asst. Prof.

7. Sumaiya Afroze Suma from the Department of Civil Engineering, Md. Waliullah, Lecturer
in the Department of URP, and Prof. Dr. Md. Zakiul Islam, Head of the Department of
Architecture at BUET, who also shared their insights. The workshop saw active
participation from 33 students, making it a valuable platform for promoting universal
accessibility awareness and knowledge.
1.7.3 Achieving the SDG Considering UA: Challenges & Way Forward
On May 30, 2023, B-SCAN and Institute
of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) jointly
organized a discussion seminar on
‘Achieving the Sustainable Development
Goal Considering Universal Accessibility:
Challenges and Way Forward’ to observe
the Global Accessibility Awareness Day
at the Seminar Hall of IAB, Agargaon,
Dhaka. At the seminar government
officials from different ministries and
departments, OPDs, Architects from IAB,
representatives of department of
architecture of public and private
universities and students attended. Two presentations were delivered on SDG and
Universal Accessibility: Challenges and Way Forward and Bangla Universal Accessibility
Guideline by Mahfuzur Rahman Raqeev and Ar. Fahim Hasin Sahan of Mas Studio. Four
honorable panelists from different policy-making authorities including architectural firms
have given their expert opinion on the concerned issue. Nafizur Rahman, Principal
Research Officer, HBRI & IVLP Alumni; Shabab Raihan Kabir, Executive Architect,
Department of Architecture; Ar. Wahid Asif, Architect Partner, 4Walls and Ar. Fahim Hasin
Sahan from MAS studio attended as honorable panelists. Ar. Nabi Newaz Khan, General
Secretary and Ar. Sabrina Aftab, Secretary Seminar from IAB also conveyed their speech.
At the seminar government officials participated from DYD, DSS, DTCA, DPHE, EED,
NDD Trust, Rajuk and BTEB along with different NGOs and INGOs.
1.7.4 Advocacy Meeting with
Bangladesh Technical Education
Board (BTEB)
On 3 May 2023, B-SCAN had a very fruitful
meeting with the Bangladesh Technical
Education Board (BTEB), which is the
authority that regulates and develops
technical and vocational education in the
country. The meeting was led by the secretary
of BTEB and attended by various expert

8. officials of BTEB. B-SCAN proposed to add a separate chapter on universal accessibility
to the Bangla Universal Accessibility Guidelines (BUAG), which is a comprehensive and
user-friendly guideline that provides standards and specifications for designing
accessible buildings and facilities for persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. The BTEB
authorities took the proposal very seriously and assured to add universal accessibility as
a subject in their syllabus update process, which is currently ongoing. An eight-member
team of B-SCAN, along with representatives of MAS Studio and HBRI were present in
the meeting. It is noteworthy that B-SCAN has been communicating with BTEB since May
2022 to add universal accessibility to their civil engineering and architecture courses. B-
SCAN is trying to incorporate the public access part of the Bangladesh National Building
Code (BNBC), which is a legal document that sets the minimum requirements for building
design and construction in Bangladesh, into the BUAG website ([www.buag.info]). A
similar effort is being made in other engineering universities besides BTEB.
1.8 Meeting with Secretary of Export Development Bureau
On August 14, 2022, a meeting was held with the Secretary to discuss the accessibility of the
permanent building of the Export Fair. He said the preparation of the export fair would be
conducted at their board meeting on September, 2023. Then they will discuss the matter.
1.9 Human Chain on the demand of Accessible Transport
On the occasion of National Road Safety Day
2022 B-SCAN organized a Human Chain on the
demand of Accessible Transport and Persons
with Disability on the Road Safety Day in front of
the office of Dhaka Transport Authority (DTCA) on
22 Oct, 2022. Different like-minded organizations
joined the Human Chain.
2. Skill & Employment Development Program
Training Facilitation and Participation
2.1 Safeguarding Children and Adults-at-risk and
PSEAH
CBM Global Bangladesh Country Office organized a 2-
day comprehensive training on “Safeguarding Children
and Adults-at-risk and PSEAH” for BCO and partner
staff on 16 - 17 October 2022 from 09:00am to 05:00pm
at the Hotel Golden Tulip, Banani, Dhaka. Mahfuz
Raqeev and Tarana Shahid attended the training.

9. 2.2 Online Journalism Training
On July 28, 2022, B-SCAN organized an
online Journalism Training initiative for
persons with disabilities who are interested
in writing. In this training, bdnews24.com
journalist Mir Mosharraf Hossain was
present as the trainer. A total of 15 trainees
participated in this event.
2.3 Invitation to the in-depth workshop on SDG Reporting Mechanism for
Bangladeshi OPDs
An in-depth workshop on SDG Reporting
Mechanism for Bangladeshi OPDs took place
from 22nd to 23rd February 2023, at Pan
Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka Bangladesh. IDA
and SDG Alliance jointly organized this
workshop towards writing an alternative
report on the progress towards the SDGs and
persons with disabilities. Salma Mahbub, GS,
B-SCAN participated in this workshop.
2.4 In-depth workshop for Bangladeshi OPDs on Disability Inclusive
Social Protection
International Disability Alliance (IDA), supported
by FCDO funded Disability Inclusive
Development Programme, and supported by ILO
organized a workshop aiming to bring together
OPDs to build a common understanding of what
disability inclusive social protection means for
persons with disabilities and to learn more about
regional initiatives and advocacy around this
issue, towards building the capacity of OPDs to
advocate for social protection for persons with
disabilities that aim to promote the full and effective participation of persons with
disabilities in society. The workshop was arranged from 24-26 February 2023 at Hotel
Sonargaon, Dhaka. Salma Mahbub, GS, B-SCAN participated in this workshop.

10. 2.5 Digital Literacy Training Workshop
CDD organized a two day long residential Digital Literacy Training Workshop at CDD
Training Center, Savar from 27 May to 4 June 2023. Two members of B-SCAN, Tarana
Shahid and Nahida Akter participated in this training on behalf of B-SCAN.
3. Community Development Program
3.1 Health Support
Tarana, a woman with disability, was brought directly from Khulna to Dhaka's Nitore
Hospital on Thursday, 21 July 2022, for a waist joint operation. After the initial checkup,
the doctor said that the operation cannot be done because her joints are stiff and she has
osteoporosis. It will not be right to do the operation in this condition and there will be no
result even if it is done. She was advised to undergo physiotherapy treatment.
Some tests have been done and physiotherapy was continued through our physiotherapy
center ‘PRANGON’. We kept her at the B-SCAN office and gave her therapy for a few
months. It should be noted that in 2017, Tarana, who was injured in an accident,
underwent an operation on her leg. B-SCAN also took responsibility for her month-long
treatment for the broken leg. At that time, her hip bone was also damaged.
Heath support was also provided to Nurjahan Ria, a wheelchair user of Bagura for her
stomach operation. Support provided to cancer patient Abdul Jalil, a wheelchair user of
Gazipur, a person with visual disability, Ayub Ullah Riad of Dhaka with critical health
condition.
3.2 Support for Assistive Devices
One Kafo for Nahida Akter, a woman with disability and
special shoe for Rahul Sharma, who has clubfoot, partial
support for battery operated wheelchair for Forhad
Reza, wheelchair user of Satkhira and wheelchair repair
support for Shahjahan Hossain of Magura, one
commode wheelchair for Manik Shikder of Khulna and
two manual wheelchairs for Ruhul Amin and Nazma
Akter of Dhaka was distributed by B-SCAN. Assistive
device distributed to a total of 7 persons.

11. 3.3 Emergency Response
B-SCAN supported flood affected 60 persons with disabilities of Kurigram and Jokiganj in
August 2022.
3.4 Financial Support for Eid Celebration to 100 insolvent persons with
disabilities
One of the activities that B-SCAN does is to provide some cash support to the poor
persons with disabilities on Eid. B-SCAN believes that this cash support can help the poor
persons with disabilities to celebrate Eid with joy and dignity, and to meet some of their
basic needs and expenses. This year, B-SCAN provided 1 lac taka (1000 taka per person)
to 100 persons with disabilities from different districts of Bangladesh. The cash support
was distributed through B-SCAN's network of volunteers and members, who identified
and selected the beneficiaries based on their economic and social conditions. The
beneficiaries included persons with different types of disabilities, such as visual, hearing,
physical, intellectual, or mental impairments. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude
and appreciation to B-SCAN for the cash support. B-SCAN hopes to continue this activity
in the future and to reach more persons with disabilities who need assistance.
3.5 Self employment
B-SCAN financed for a tea stall for Osman Gani, a wheelchair user of Magura.
3.6 Internship
Three persons with physical disability got the B-SCAN Internship this year. Nahida Akter
and Syed Javed Ali of Dhaka and Tarana Shahid of Khulna.
4. Advocacy & Policy Influence Meeting
4.1 Meeting with the Managing Director of NDD Trust
Discussion on the possibility of adding B-SCAN to the activities of NDD Trust. There was
a discussion about linking the health insurance of NDD Trust with PRANGON
physiotherapy, which is an initiative of B-SCAN.
Follow-up: On 23 August 2022 Mahfuz Raqeev & Sohel Rana, Physiotherapist of
PRANGON submitted the applications for enlisting B-SCAN under the insurance policy
of NDD trust. On behalf of B-SCAN’s publications were given for their library as well.
4.2 Advocacy for Free Metro Rail Ride for persons with disabilities
A letter has been submitted to the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company
Limited 3 September 2022 to request free rides for persons with disabilities in Metrorail.

12. 4.3 Meeting with the Chief Engineer of Dhaka South City Corporation
B-SCAN team had a meeting with the Chief Engineer of the Dhaka South City Corporation
(DSCC) on 3 Sep 2022. We provided some recommendations about floor
announcements, braille buttons in lift and reserved parking for the DSCC Building.
5. Budget Campaign for persons with disabilities
5.1 Meeting with the OPDs for budget recommendations to NBR
A meeting was held among the OPDs to submit some recommendations to the National
Bureau of Revenue (NBR). Protibondhi Nagorik Shangathaner Parishad (PNSP)
arranged the meeting with the support of B-SCAN on 3 Feb 2023.
5.2 Budget Recommendation for 2023-24 to the NBR
Like the previous year B-SCAN submitted some recommendations on behalf of the
organization of persons with disabilities (OPD) to the NBR on 13 Mar 2023. Among
those recommendations, increasing the tax rebate limit to 6 lac from 4 lac 50 thousand.
6. Participation/Panelist/Moderation in Relevant Programs
6.1 Bangladesh Campaign Workshop
2nd round of the Bangladesh Campaign Workshop was organized by the Sightsavers
on July 20-23 July 2022 at the BRAC CDM Savar. Iftekhar Mahmud, Coordinator of B-
SCAN attended the workshop. 1st Bangladesh Campaign Workshop took place on 16-17
May 2022.

13. 6.2 Seminar on Existing Laws and Implementation of Laws for
Ensuring the Rights of the Girl Child
National Girl Child Advocacy Forum took initiative to publish The Status of Girl Children in
Bangladesh 2021. The purpose of which was to bring out the overall picture of the condition
and position of the girl child in Bangladesh and publish the status and positional report of the
girl child, which is the first publication in Bangladesh only on the overall issue of the girl child.
Regarding the release of the report, a discussion program titled "Existing Laws and
Implementation of Laws for Ensuring the Rights and Rights of the Girl Child" was organized
online on 26 July 2022 to take the views of eminent persons regarding the existing laws to
ensure the rights and protection of the girl child. The General Secretary of B-SCAN was
present as a speaker at the event.
6.3 Demanding the Speedy Formulation of Pedestrian Regulations to
Save Energy and Walkable Environment
A program took place in front of the national press club demanding the speedy formulation
of pedestrian regulations to save energy and walkable environment on 7 August 2022.
Poba, Manobadhikar Unnayan Kendra, Rayer Bazar High School, Dhaka Ideal College,
Dhanmondi Kochi Kantha High School, B-SCAN attended the event.
6.4 Facebook Live on “Child Sexual Abuse: Limitations of Our
Understanding and Institutional Incompetence”
A panel discussion on “Child Sexual Abuse: Limitations of Our Understanding and Institutional
Incompetence” was organized on 16 August 2022 at 6.00 pm. Which was broadcast directly
from Naripokkho's Facebook page. B-SCAN participated in that event.
6.5 Webinar on "What can be done to prevent road accidents: Citizen's
perspective".
On 22nd August 2022, a webinar titled "What to do to prevent road accidents: Citizens'
Perspective" was organized jointly by Nirapod Sharak Andolon, Bangladesh Paribh Andolan
and Road Safety Foundation on Zoom at 7 am. The event was presided over by Dr Abdul
Matin, Executive Vice President of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), Moderated by MS
Siddiqui, Vice Chairman of Road Safety Foundation and Central Executive Committee
member of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) and the keynote was delivered by
Chartered Marine Engineer Abdullah Mohammad Ferdous Khan, Vice Chairman of Road
Safety Foundation and road safety expert. Mahfuzur Rahman Raqeev, , Program Officer,
joined the program from B-SCAN.
6.6 Follow up meeting with the DG of HBRI
Follow-up meeting was hold with the DG of Housing and Building Research Institute

14. (HBRI) has been held to take necessary steps for the recommendation that was made
by B-SCAN on 20 July 2022. Especially to link the Bangla Universal Accessibility
Guideline (BUAG) in their website. A follow up meeting was held on 30 August 2022.
6.7 Disability Inclusion: A Right, Not a Privilege
Edward “Ted” M. Kennedy, Jr., son of the
late Senator Edward Kennedy, and his
family members visited Bangladesh to
celebrate 50-years of friendship between
the U.S. and Bangladesh. During this visit,
they kick off celebrations for the 10-year
anniversary of the EMK Center. As part of
this historic visit, the U.S. Embassy and
EMK Center hosted a talk by Ted Kennedy,
Jr., titled “Disability Inclusion: A Right, Not
a Privilege” on 1 November 2023. Salma
Mahbub, GS of B-SCAN invited to this event.
Ted Kennedy, Jr. has been an international champion for persons with disabilities for over
two plus decades. In June 2017, Mr. Kennedy was elected Chair of the Board of the
American Association of People with Disabilities, one of the preeminent civil rights and
public policy organizations in the United States dedicated to social reform and equal rights
for people with disabilities. He also advises employers on best practices and compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
6.8 National Dialogue with relevant organizations for Inclusion of Persons
with Disability arranged by SEIP and DSS
Barnamala Communication Limited & Visual
Communication Limited Jointly implementing the
social marketing project of The Skills for
Employment Investment Program (SEIP) of the
Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance. SEIP
and Department of Social Welfare (DSS) hold a
national dialogue at DSS auditorium on 04
October 2022. Salma Mahbub attended the
program.

15. 6.9 Disability-related information on
systematic correlation of data in
digital-platform project of Sample
Vital Registration System (SVRS)
and National Survey on Persons with
Disabilities 2019
A discussion meeting was held on the topic of
disability-related information on systematic
correlation of data in digital-platform project of
Sample Vital Registration System (SVRS) and
National Survey on Persons with Disabilities 2019 on October 13, 2022. The meeting was
chaired by the Director General of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) at the BBS
conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka.
6.10 Discussion meeting on What to do in the implementation of the
Dhaka Metropolitan Detailed Zoning Plan Actions to be taken in the
implementation of Dhaka Metropolitan Detailed Zonal Plan (2022-35)
The government is trying to adopt and implement various policies to make Dhaka city
livable. Meanwhile, both the City Corporations of Dhaka are conducting various activities
including waste management, restoration of canals, creation and restoration of various
open spaces including field-parks. They are also working to achieve the New Clean
Dhaka Master Plan 2018-2032, Sustainable Development Goals. Recently, the Detailed
Area Plan (DAP) has been gazette covering an area of 1,528 square kilometers of Dhaka
city.
In this situation, in the joint organization of the Bangladesh Poribesh Bachao Andolon
(PABA) and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust arranged a discussion meeting on 12
November 2022 at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club on "What to do in the
implementation of the Dhaka Metropolitan Detailed Zoning Plan (2022-35)." Mahfuzur
Rahman Raqeev, Program Officer, B-SCAN attended the program.
6.11 UNDP Festival
of Tolerance
UNDP organized a
daylong Festival of
Tolerance (সম্প্রীতির উৎসব)
at the premises of Bangla
Academy on 16 Nov
2022. At the festival B-

16. SCAN launched the "Universal Accessibility Guideline" which was made by the financial
support of UNDP along with the support of MAS Studio.
The objective of Bangla Universal Accessibility Guideline is to spread and make people
understand why we need accessibility and what we should do to ensure that people with all
types of disabilities can easily get access and enter and move any place. For more details,
please visit the following website- https://www.buag.info/
A panel discussion of Youth and Tolerance was moderated by Iftekhar Mahmud, Coordinator,
B-SCAN.
6.12 Invitation to attend the Women Entrepreneurship Symposium as
a Speaker
The EDRC-EC-CQU purpose was to design a sustainable finance-linked entrepreneur
development program under the ‘Entrepreneurs under One Roof’ strategy. They wanted to
facilitate building a new platform to overcome the regulatory, financial, risk management, and
other related challenges encountered by the majority of the entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.
They invited B-SCAN’s General Secretary, Salma Mahbub who was invited to a session as a
speaker -- The Women Entrepreneur’s Journey: The Good Bad and the Ugly’ to share her
journey on 26 November 2022.
6.13 Content Development Workshop for Disability Inclusive
Journalism
A discussion meeting on the draft of a manual titled “Basic Concepts of Civil Rights of Persons
with Disabilities” was organized by A2I under the supervision of the Cabinet Division of the
ICT Department with a view to using the right words on disability in the media and portraying
the persons with disability in a positive manner. Organizations of persons with disabilities,
domestic and international organizations working with persons with disabilities and journalists
were present to enrich the manual jointly organized by A2I and Access Bangladesh
Foundation. A workshop was organized at A2I Conference Room, ICT Building, Agargaon,
Dhaka on 28 November 2022. Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, Joint Secretary,
Project Director, A2I Program was present as the chief guest. Iftekhar Mahmud, Coordinator
of B-SCAN attended the workshop.
6.14 Workshop on digital inclusion
Most of the digital services provided by the government and non-government agencies
are not adequately accessible for persons with disability especially for persons with visual,
speech and hearing disability. On the other hand, people with disabilities themselves are
not fully integrated into these available digital services due to their lack of understanding,
knowledge, and skills on digital technology. There are evident gaps from both demand
and supply side. Addressing this issue, CDD organized a workshop in collaboration with

17. A2I on 30 Nov 2022 at the ICT TOWER, Agargaon, Dhaka. The high officials of ICT
division, Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), A2I as well as relevant departments and
commissions of Government participated in the program. The B-SCAN team attended the
program.
6.15 Invitation to Grace IDPD-22 Seminar as Distinguished Panelist
The Cabinet Division, UNDP, and Sightsavers
under the banner of Disability Alliance on SDGs
Bangladesh organized a national seminar
marking the celebration of the International Day
for Persons with Disabilities on 04 December
2022 at BICC, Dhaka. The seminar touched
upon the theme -Transformative Solutions for
Inclusive Development: Importance of
Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and
Equitable World.
Ms. Zuena Aziz, Principal Coordinator for
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the
Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has consented to grace the seminar as the chief guest,
and Prof. Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed, Member (Senior Secretary), General Economics
Division (GED), Planning Commission, will attend us as the special guest. Salma
Mahbub, attended the event as a panelist.
6.16 Invitation to Bangladesh Campaign Workshop of Sightsavers
In 2022 Sightsavers launched a three-year national coalition campaign to deliver policy
change that will benefit the lives of persons with disabilities within Bangladesh. The
campaign, which will be supported by technical expertise and budget by Sightsavers, is
a coalition campaign in order to maximize its impact. To kick start the Equal Bangladesh
Campaign design process the 1st two daylong residential workshop was held on 16-17
May, 2022. In continuation to that, the 2nd and 3rd two day long residential workshop was
organized at BRAC CDM Savar on 20-23 July 2023 and 11-13 October 2022. Iftekhar
Mahmud, Coordinator of B-SCAN attended the workshops.
6.17 Stakeholder Meeting of
Bangladesh Railway
B-SCAN attend monthly stakeholder
meeting of Railway on 7 Dec 2022. It was
presided by the Secretary of the Ministry of
Railway.

18. 6.18 Report Dissemination Program of NSPD 2021
A program was arranged by the
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)
under the Department of Statistics and
Information Management to publish
the report of the National Survey of
Persons with Disabilities 2021 on 27
December 2022 at the auditorium of
BBS, Agargaon, Dhaka. Salma
Mahbub, GS of B-SCAN invited to the
event.
6.19 UNFPA GBV Cluster Meeting on ‘Capacities of Organizations of
persons with disabilities (OPD), GO- NGO service providers, Women
with Disabilities and caregivers for ensuring accessibility and
inclusive GBV programming’
UNFPA Gender Unit invited B-SCAN to their GBV cluster meeting, which was organized
on 30th March, IDB Bhaban, Agargaon, Dhaka. The ‘Capacities of Organizations of
persons with disabilities (OPD), GO- NGO service providers, Women with Disabilities and
caregivers for ensuring accessibility and inclusive GBV programming’ conducted from
UNDP by the Gender unit's consultant Professor Sanzida Akhter, Dhaka University. The
main objective of the follow up discussion was to receive feedback and input on the
capacity development plan for women with disabilities and their caregivers based on the
assessment findings.
6.20 Equitable health care and protection of women with disabilities
On April 10, 2023, Women with Disability and Development Foundation (WDDF) organized a
seminar on “Equitable Health Care and Protection of Women with Disabilities” to celebrate
International Women's Day 2023. Salma Mahbub, General Secretary, B-SCAN participated
in this seminar organized at the multipurpose conference hall of the Directorate of Women
Affairs. Farida Parveen, Director General, Directorate of Women Affairs was present as the
chief guest in the seminar.
7. Networking with WASH Sectors

19. 7.1 Workshop to align indicators for monitoring the progress of
National MHM Strategy
The WaterAid Bangladesh jointly with MHM
Platform organized a workshop to identify and align
indicators for monitoring the progress of the
National MHM strategy. More than 42
representatives of different organizations of MHM
Platform joined this workshop on 25th July 2022.
The workshop was organized to find out priority
indicators for Bangladesh to track the progress of
the Bangladesh MHM strategy 2021. Salma
Mahbub, General Secretary of B-SCAN
participated in the workshop as the steering committee member of the MHM Platform.
7.2 MHM Platform Steering Committee Meeting
A face-to-face meeting of the Steering Committee of the Menstrual Hygiene Management
(MHM) Platform was held at the country office of WaterAid, Banani, Dhaka on 18 Dec 2022.
The discussion was held with a focus on the advocacy approach on how to take this platform
forward in the upcoming years, funding source of the platform, subscription, and the renewal
of the chair of the platform as per ToR.
7.3 Meeting with the Planning Minister
The WASH Network members,
representatives of WASH related
organizations, professionals and think-tank
took this opportunity to meet the minister
under the leadership of Dr. Khairul Islam,
Regional Director, South Asia, WaterAid
met Dr. Shamsul Alam, Honorable State
Minister of Planning, to share the thoughts
about the progress of SDG-6, VNR
(Voluntary National Review), SDGs Needs
Assessment and Financing on 5th February, 2023 at State Ministers Conference Room,
Planning Ministry, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207.
7.4 BaWIN Stakeholder Consultation
Bangladesh has been one of WIN’s focus countries for over 10 years and during this
period, WIN has successfully in collaboration with local partners carried out several water

20. integrity related programmes. From 2023, WIN will be implementing its new strategy
Catalyzing a Culture of Integrity (2023-2033). As a part of the new strategy, where
Bangladesh continues to be a focus country, WIN will be establishing a new country
strategy for a four-year period (2023-2026). B-SCAN was invited to participate as a
member of the BaWIN network on 2 March 2023.
7.5 World Toilet Day Observed
WaterAid Bangladesh and Sajida Foundation
jointly celebrated the World Toilet Day 27 Nov,
2022. As part of this celebration, B-SCAN was
invited to conduct an accessibility and safety
audit of Muktangan public toilets.
The overall features of the toilet and services
especially accessibility for women and persons
with disabilities, safety etc. were audited. Later,
a human chain was arranged with the toilet
users and their opinions were taken. Several
users expressed their satisfaction with the
overall service, arrangement, cleanliness and
inclusive features of Muktangan Public Toilet in
Dhaka.
8. Celebrating Special Day
8.1 Observed World Cerebral Palsy Day
A discussion meeting was arranged by the Jatio Protibondhi Unnoyon Foundation (JPUF)
organized the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) at their premises in
Mirpur 14 on 6 Oct 2022.

21. 8.2 Human Chain on International Disaster Risk Reduction Day
A human chain was organized by B-SCAN on international Disaster Risk Reduction Day
13 Oct 2022 at the Rampura Bridge, Dhaka.
8.3 World White Cane Safety Day
A discussion meeting was arranged by the Jatio Protibondhi Unnoyon Foundation (JPUF)
on the World White Cane Safety Day at their auditorium in Mirpur - 14 on 15 Oct 2022.
8.4 Observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022Jatio
Protibondhi Unnoyon Foundation (JPUF) organized the International Day of Persons with
Disabilities (IDPD) at their premises in Mirpur -14 on 3 December 2022. A fair was
arranged by the OPDs and B-SCAN also given a stall to project their work.
8.5 Bangla Sign Language Day Observed
Bangla Sign Language Day was observed by the Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnoyon Foundation
(JPUF) on 7 Feb 2023. B-SCAN Team participated in the event.
9. Representation in International Arena
9.1 High-Level Political Forum
(HLPF) Virtual Side Event Disability
Data and Climate Change
The disability movement is investing energy
toward advocacy around data and climate
change, including the use of citizen-generated
data to complement official statistics to
measure the SDGs and to include those most

22. left behind. This side event took a closer look at how these two agendas interact,
complement one another, and can be mutually supportive for a more inclusive society. B-
SCAN’s General Secretary Salma Mahbub was invited to speak here at the event as a
panelist. This event was organized by the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities
and International Disability Alliance (IDA) on 13 July 2022.
9.2 Workshop to develop ATscale user engagement plan
Leonard Cheshire has been commissioned by ATscale to develop the user engagement
plan to realize their aim of reaching 500 million more AT users. One of the key activities
in the process of co-designing the user engagement plan is to hold an inception workshop
bringing a group of AT users and experts. The inception workshop had diverse
representation of AT users from the global south. B-SCAN was invited to participate in
the workshop on 20 July 2022 by zoom.
9.3 AT user engagement plan for ATscale
Following up on the engagement with developing the AT user engagement plan for
ATscale, Salma Mahbub, GS of B-SCAN was invited to join a small advisory group they
put together on 25 Aug 2022. The group’s primary role was to advise on the AT user
engagement plan by reviewing the draft and validating it.
9.4 Guest Speaker at Twitter Space
Twitter Spaces is a live audio conversation
feature within the Twitter app that allows users
with more than 600 followers to create audio
chat rooms as hosts or join them as speakers
or listeners. You can call it a podcast, which is
live and open for all to join.
The Space is part of a series of regular Twitter
spaces that they have launched each
Wednesday of the week, and which turns into
a podcast and live on their website. The
podcast & weekly Twitter Space aims to be
conversational in tone, have guests who are directly impacted by the issue that is being
discussed, and give these guests an opportunity to tell their stories and make their voices
heard. Salma Mahbub, GS of B-SCAN was invited to join as a guest on the show on 16 Nov,
2022.
9.5 Gender Equality and Eye Health
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
organized a regional consultation on 27 June 2023 by Zoom. Evidence shows that women are

23. more likely than men to be affected by blindness
and vision impairment, representing 55% of
people who are blind or living with vision
impairment worldwide. The main objective of
the consultation was to inform a policy brief on
gender equality and eye health to be jointly
developed by UN Women and the Fred Hollows
Foundation that is planned to be launched on
the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in
September 2023. Salma Mahbub, GS of B-
SCAN attended the program.
10. Events of B-SCAN
10.1 Anniversary Celebration
B-SCAN observed its 13th Anniversary on 18 July
2022 by arranging an online Adda with its members
and well-wishers.
10.2 Iftar Party
B-SCAN arranged an Iftar party for its Members,
Staffs and Volunteers at their office of Banasree on
13 Apr 2023.
10.3 Kick Off Program of a Nationwide Survey to understand the
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) accessibility of Persons with
Disabilities, and Older people in Bangladesh
B-SCAN in collaboration
with icddr,b launched the
kick off program to
conduct a Nation-wide
Assessment Programme
to Understand the Water,
Sanitation, and Hygiene
(WASH) accessibility of
Persons with Disabilities,
and Older people in
Bangladesh. The event
was attended by Md. Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru, MP, the State Minister, Ministry of Social
Welfare graced the seminar as Chief Guest. Ms. Shibani Bhattacharjee, Additional
Secretary (Institutions and Disabilities), Ministry of Social Welfare attended as the Special

24. Guest. The meeting was presided by Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Lead and Project
Coordinator, Environmental Interventions Unit (EIU), Infectious Diseases Division (IDD),
icddr,b. Dewan Muhammad Shoaib, Senior Research Officer, EIU, IDD, icddr,b and
Salma Mahbub, General Secretary, B-SCAN gave the presentation and moderated the
question-and-answer session. Mahbub-Ul Alam, Associate Scientist, icddr,b is the
principal investigator of this study and B-SCAN as a DPO is implementing this research
in Bangladesh.
10.4 Preparation for Nationwide Survey to understand the Water,
Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) accessibility of Persons with
Disabilities, and Older People in Bangladesh
B-SCAN “Nationwide Survey to
understand the Water, Sanitation,
and Hygiene (WASH) accessibility
of Persons with Disabilities, and
Older people in Bangladesh” with
the financial and technical support
from London School of Hygiene and
Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Program for Evidence to Information
Disability Action (PENDA), FCDO
and ICDDRB going to implement a
program titled. This study is part of
a global program implemented
primarily in Bangladesh, Kenya, Indonesia, and Zambia that aims to identify and inform public
about more effective and equitable hygiene and behavior change guidelines and interventions
for people with disabilities and older adults. As a part of this, training of data collectors was
organized from 5-9 March 2023 at ICDDRB. Data collection activities will be conducted as
part of the survey in 160 unions/municipalities/city corporations of 32 districts of 8 divisions
of Bangladesh.
10.5 Conducting Survey Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
accessibility of Persons with
Disabilities, and Older people in
32 districts of Bangladesh
The survey, more than 1300 people with
and without disabilities across eight
divisions has been screened and
interviewed. This assessment is a part of a
larger multi-country study led by icddr,b
and being implemented in Kenya,

25. Indonesia, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Bangladesh.
As part of this study, a training of data collectors was organized from 5-9 March 2023 at
ICDDRB. Data collection activities has been conducted in 160 unions/municipalities/city
corporations of 32 districts of 8 divisions of Bangladesh. The results of the survey will be
disseminated at the national level.
10.6 Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities
B-SCAN arranged a discussion meeting
on Political Participation of Persons with
Disabilities in Bangladesh by the support
of International Foundation for Electoral
Systems (IFES) to observe the occasion
of International Day of Persons with
Disabilities (IDPD) on 5 Dec 2022, 11am
to 1pm. Participants with disabilities of
different fields joined the discussion by
11am at the IFES Meeting Room of
Gulshan, Dhaka.
10.7 Consultation Meeting with NGOAB for Partnership with OPDsThe
Bureau of NGO Affairs plays an important role
in providing support to various NGOs and
organizations in order to attract project-based
foreign grants. Also, it facilitates the
functioning of NGOs in the country and
ensures their accountability to the state and
thereby to the people of the country. We all
know that it is always difficult for small
community based voluntary organizations
under statutory bodies to get registration from
NGOAB to receive foreign funding. We can
arrange relevant documentation for RJSC,
DSS, DYD, DWA, DOC registration. But, it is
very difficult for most of the organizations, especially OPDs, to collect LOI from any INGO or
any donor agency. Also, among those who have submitted applications for NGOAB
registration, only a few have been successful. The activism of grassroots social organizations
is most important in achieving sustainable development goals. B-SCAN arranged a
Consultation Meeting To create an enabling environment for Barrier Free Partnership among
OPDs, CSOs & NGOs to achieve SDGs on 21 March 2023 at the NGOAB Auditorium. The
event was supported by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

26. 10.8 Labour Day - Facebook Live on Women with Disabilities in the
Garment Industry: Crisis and Reality
B-SCAN organized a facebook live discussion
on Women with Disabilities in the Garment
Industry: Crisis and Reality to observe the
labour day on 12 May 2023. Bangladesh
Farmers Association and Bangladesh
Communist Party Central member Lucky
Akhter was the key speaker in this discussion.
Kamrunnahar, a woman with disability
working in a garment industry, was present for
further discussion. Salma Mahbub, General Secretary, B-SCAN Moderating the
discussion.
10.9 Global Accessibility Awareness Day - Facebook Live
B-SCAN organized a facebook live on The
Universal Access Crisis: Our Experience to
observe the Global Accessibility Awareness
Day on 18 May 2023 by 8pm. Nusrat Zerin,
Development Worker on Disability,
Mosharraf Hossain Bhuyan, Program
Manager - CDD, Md. Ruhul Amin, Vice
President of Bagura Muk O Bodhir Songho
and Fahim Hasin Sahan - Architect of MAS
Studio was the discusant of the program.
Salma Mahbub of B-SCAN moderated the program.
11. Job Placement
11.1 Orientation on Disability with Employers
B-SCAN is jointly working with Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN) to
provide Disability Orientation to sensitize the Employers for the employment of persons
with disabilities. We have visited the following organizations -
11.2 Brief Presentation on Universal Accessibility at the Team Group
A meeting was arranged by the BBDN on 27 Oct 2022 where B-SCAN was invited to

27. deliver a brief presentation on Universal Accessibility in the new factory. A new denim
studio construction was about to begin the following month. Salma Mahbub, General
Secretary of B-SCAN along with the representatives from BBDN.
11.3 Fakir Fashion Limited (FFL)
B-SCAN visited Fakir Fashion Limited (FFL), Narayngonj with Bangladesh Business and
Disability Network (BBDN) on 12 December 2022, to participate in a day-long disability
sensitization event. A learning session has been conducted with a hall of employees,
employers and buyers. A sensitization session on disability inclusion was conducted with the
HR & Compliance departments. Mahfuz Raqeev, Program Officer from B-SCAN along with
the representatives from BBDN, Sightsavers and Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Protibondhi
Unnayan Parishad (NSUPUP) joined the expert pool.
11.4 Le Meridien 5 Star Hotel
We have provided Orientation on Disability for in-depth disability inclusion training for your
senior and mid-management team Le Meridien on 13 Dec 2023 at their office from 11am
to 1:30pm. Salma Mahbub, General Secretary of B-SCAN along with the representatives
from BBDN, Sightsavers joined the expert pool.
11.5 Mutual Trust Bank (MTB)
We have provided a Disability Orientation Session at the Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) in two
phases, respectively 1 Feb 2023 and 17 Apr 2023. High level officials of the MTB was
present at the sessions.
Orientation on disability at Team Group, Fakir Fashion, La Meridian, and MTB

28. 11.6 Two Spot Interviews
11.6.1 TEAM Group
Team Group expressed
their interest in hiring
persons with disabilities
for their different
factories in three
phases, two phase was
completed in last year,
this year it was on 18
Sep 2022. It was
arranged at the Jatiyo
Pratibondhi Unnoyon Parishad (JPUF). Team Group employed 70 persons with
disabilities and interviewed 200 persons with disabilities. Fakir Fashion interviewed were
recruited initially.
Fakir Fashion Ltd. arranged another spot interview on 29 Mar 2023 at their factory from
three DPOs around 40 persons with disabilities. They recruit all of them they interviewed.
Among them 8 persons with disability were given from B-SCAN
12. Recognition
12.1 BRAC Bank DOUR 2023 – The Marathon - Award
The co-workers of Brac Bank
organized their annual mini-
marathon, "Brac Bank DOUR 2023 –
The Marathon for Humanity ". The
bank's co-workers voluntarily
contribute token funds to join the run.
The bank matches the fund from its
CSR fund. The total fund goes to
charity organizations working for the
welfare of less advantaged people in
the country.
The entire fund was donated to four
charitable organizations working for social welfare. B-SCAN was among the four
organizations that got the award. Other three organizations are Blind Education and
Rehabilitation Development Organization (BERDO), Hi-CARE, PFDA-Vocational Training
Center Trust. Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank Nurun Nahar attended the
programme at Hatirjheel in Dhaka on 21 January 2023. The Managing Director and CEO
of Brac Bank Selim RF Hussain and other celebrities were present at the event.

29. 12.2 Sabrina Sultana - Awarded for her Work
On International Women's Day, Sabrina
Sultana, President of B-SCAN was honored
in a function organized by National Girl Child
Advocacy Forum (NGCAF) on March 13,
2023. Due to muscular dystrophy disease,
she is gradually losing the strength of her
capacity of movement. She needs a
personal assistant all the time. Despite her
decaying and severe physical and technical
limitations continues to operate for the rights
of persons with disabilities. Her writing skill
and fighting spirit is always an inspiration to
any general person or person with disability. She is also the Deputy Director of PNSP, a
network of OPDs and President of Krishty, the independent living center of persons with
disabilities in Chattogram. She is also the editor of Oporajeyo, the only newspaper, as a
voice of persons with disabilities.
13. B-SCAN Secretariate Work and Human Resource
To uphold the rights of people with disabilities and make life easier funds from icddrb
project, EMK project and donations from General Secretary, Coordinator and Finance
Secretary Abdul Hannan Shaheen and others increased the manpower staff employed
by B-SCAN to 8 to carry out regular operations of B-SCAN human resource and the office.
Internship was provided to Four persons with disability among them three was women
from B-SCAN Community Development Program (CDP).
Abu Bakar Siddique Foundation provided support for an employee for one year.
PRAGON got monthly support from Abdul Hannan Shaheen and Nurul Kabir Chowdhury
Pitu. Beside these students got uniforms from Lions Club and Equipment for therapy
center.
14. ‘PRANGON’ Lifelong Education and Therapy Center
PRANGON is a life-long education and therapy center for students with disabilities. It is
run by B-SCAN from June, 2021.
It currently provides education to eight students with disabilities, including students with
hearing disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, and cerebral palsy. Among of them one

30. student with hearing disability has been developed to integrate into mainstream education
this year. PRANGON also has a physiotherapy center where students receive
physiotherapy services. The center also provides physiotherapy services to the general
public at a minimal cost. It is a valuable resource for students with disabilities and their
families. It provides a safe and supportive environment where students can receive the
education and therapy, they need to reach their full potential.
13. Annual General Meeting of B-SCAN
B-SCAN arranged its 13th Annual General Meeting on 26 November 2022 at the B-SCAN
office of Banasree, Dhaka. There was a presentation on the activities of the year 2021-
22 and an action plan and budget were discussed for the year 2022-23. Fifteen members
attended the meeting.