Dreams need opportunity, not sympathy

I am Kaberi. I was born with cerebral palsy. My life however, has taught me that disability itself is not the greatest obstacle. Rather, it is the barriers created by society, unequal opportunities and exclusion that hold people with disabilities back.

My struggle began with a fight for inclusive education. Many mainstream schools refused to admit me because of my cerebral palsy and urged my parents to send me to a special school. Nevertheless, through my parents' determination and the support of Manikganj Disabled People Development Organization (MDPOD), I enrolled in a mainstream school. I later earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fine Arts from Jahangirnagar University.

Today, I am a journalist, a sub-editor at Dhaka Tribune and chairperson of MDPOD. I have worked with Access Bangladesh Foundation and the UN World Food Programme (WFP), promoting disability inclusion and supporting women entrepreneurs. I received the Joyita Award 2025 and the Successful Disabled Person Award 2025.

Despite these achievements, inaccessible transport remains my greatest challenge. Every day, I struggle with disability unfriendly public transport, financial and safety concerns, harassment and poor enforcement of reserved seating.

My story is not mine alone. It mirrors the lives of millions of people with disabilities across Bangladesh.

Their greatest barriers are not their impairments but the absence of equal opportunities. With access to education, employment and leadership, they can make meaningful contributions to society and national development.

Although the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013 has been enacted, its implementation remains weak. Stronger accountability, accessible services and greater inclusion, especially for women with disabilities, are essential. Healthcare and education remain largely inaccessible because of inadequate infrastructure, trained personnel and inclusive facilities.

I do believe that people with disabilities must be recognised as equal partners in society, with equal access to education, employment, leadership and policymaking. Greater political representation and the integration of disability rights into the broader human rights framework are vital.