To ensure broader participation of persons with disabilities in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sightsavers’ Equal Bangladesh Campaign have submitted 14 proposals to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin.
The proposals were formally presented on Thursday (November 6) at the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka, during a meeting chaired by the CEC. Election Commissioners, senior officials, and representatives from various disability organizations attended the discussion.
Key recommendations include introducing postal or alternative voting options for persons with disabilities, ensuring full inclusion in the voter registration process, deploying trained female staff to assist women voters with disabilities, and improving physical accessibility and safety at polling centers.
The proposals also call for greater awareness and guidance about the voting and registration processes to encourage active participation by voters with special needs.
CEC Nasir Uddin welcomed the initiative, stating that the Election Commission is committed to creating a fully accessible and inclusive electoral environment.
The joint initiative by UNDP and Sightsavers highlights Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to uphold the political rights of persons with disabilities and strengthen the inclusiveness of its democratic process in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).