Disability rights organisations have urged the government to substantially revise the proposed national budget for FY2026β"27, saying the current allocations fall far short of meeting the needs of persons with disabilities amid rising living costs.
In a coalition understanding 14 rights grousps at a meeting on Sunday demanded significant increases in monthly allowances, the introduction of a caregiver stipend, and expanded investment in education, skills development, employment and rehabilitation services. Without stronger financial commitments, the countryβs inclusion goals will remain largely unfulfilled, they added.
Albert Mollah, executive director of Access Bangladesh Foundation, and Ashrafun Nahar Misti, executive director of the Women with Disabilities Development Foundation, said the new budget does not reflect the economic pressures faced by persons with disabilities, mostly those with severe and profound conditions.
The coalition proposed raising the monthly allowance for persons with severe disabilities to Tk 5,000 and for those with moderate disabilities to Tk 2,000. It also called for a monthly caregiver allowance of Tk 3,000 for individuals providing full-time care to people with profound disabilities.
Besides, the organisations pressed for dedicated funding for skills training and employment generation programmes, saying economic empowerment remains a critical gap. They also demanded the creation of a special development fund and the implementation of election manifesto commitments, including job opportunities under a proposed National Civic Service programme.
Other demands included government support for producing and distributing assistive devices and artificial limbs, increased funding for grassroots Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and targeted allocations across key ministries such as health, education, labour, youth, and womenβs affairs.
While welcoming the proposed increase in the monthly disability allowance from Tk 900 to Tk 1,000 and the expansion of beneficiaries from 3.45 million to 3.8 million, the coalition said these steps remain inadequate in the face of current economic realities.
The organisations also criticised the budget-making process, alleging a lack of consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative bodies prior to drafting. They urged the government to adopt a fully rights-based approach and revise the budget during the ongoing parliamentary session.
