For millions of people, assistive technology, or AT, can mean the difference between exclusion and independence. Wheelchairs, hearing aids, prostheses, eyeglasses, communication devices and other assistive products enable people to study, work, move freely, communicate, live with dignity and contribute to society. Without guaranteed access, human potential remains unrealised and opportunities are needlessly limited.
International human rights and development frameworks have long recognised this obligation. The UN Standard Rules, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’ general comment No 5, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the World Report on Disability and the World Health Organization’s global reports on assistive technology all identify AT as an essential support for the full and effective participation of people with disabilities.
Yet the global gap remains stark. The WHO’s Global Report on Assistive Technology estimates that more than 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product. In low- and middle-income countries, as little as 3% of that need is met. The consequences fall hardest on those already facing exclusion, including women and children with disabilities, deafblind people, and people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities.
Bangladesh reflects this global crisis. A recent study by the Bangladesh Disabled Development Trust on assistive technology and rehabilitation services found that major barriers persist, despite the presence of 103 government Protibandhi Seba-O-Sahajjo Kendra centres. Large parts of the country remain unserved, with 392 subdistricts lacking local access and many potential users forced to travel to Dhaka or other major cities to obtain assistive products.
The study also identified acute shortages of therapists, high-tech products and repair services. It found that services often lack gender sensitivity, adaptability, Braille support and sign language interpretation. For many families, the cost of travel and accommodation creates an additional barrier. The absence of a regulatory authority or effective monitoring mechanism also raises concerns about quality control.
Access is further constrained by an unclear supply chain, limited domestic production and high taxes on imported assistive products. Bangladesh still has no comprehensive national survey of assistive technology needs. A two-district study found that more than 71% of people with functional difficulties had unmet AT needs, while organisations of persons with disabilities report that the national situation is likely to be even more severe.
Bangladesh has already made important legal commitments. The Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013 and the Neuro-Developmental Disability Protection Trust Act 2013 domesticate key principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These laws guarantee equal access to social protection, health, education and employment. Section 16(n) of the RPPDA specifically entitles persons with disabilities to rehabilitation and support services, and violations of this right constitute discrimination that may give rise to compensation.
The National Disability Action Plan 2019 also set out clear government responsibilities. These included expanding and improving the quality and accessibility of PSOSK services, raising public awareness, encouraging domestic manufacturing, promoting private sector involvement in rehabilitation, and facilitating the production and import of assistive products.
Despite these commitments, the action plan expired in 2025 without significant improvement in access to assistive technology. This failure requires urgent attention. The continuing gap is not only a service-delivery problem; it is a widespread human rights concern affecting a large section of the population.
The government should also recognise that investing in AT is an economic priority. According to ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services, investment in hearing aids, prostheses, eyeglasses and wheelchairs can deliver a 9:1 return, generating more than US$10tn in economic benefits over 55 years. Assistive technology enables people to learn, work, earn and participate. It reduces dependency, strengthens families and supports inclusive growth.
The first World Day for Assistive Technology was launched on June 4, 2024 in support of ATscale’s ‘Unlock the Everyday’ campaign. The campaign calls for global action to increase access to assistive technology, raise awareness, engage the media and build champions for change.
As the world marks the third World Day for Assistive Technology, we call on the government of Bangladesh to address the country’s significant unmet need. As national budget planning begins, AT access must be treated as a rights-based development priority.
The government should work with the private sector to expand the AT market, increase investment in manufacturing, imports and service delivery, and make products available at affordable prices. A stronger market would generate revenue while enabling people with disabilities to unlock their potential.
Bangladesh also needs a clearly defined service delivery mechanism, including a transparent distribution process and reliable supply chain. Potential users should be able to understand where to go, what services are available and how to obtain the products they need.
The PSOSK network must be expanded to reach all subdistricts, municipalities and city corporations. Establishing 512 new centres, including 100 new centres a year, would be a practical step towards national coverage. Mobile service vans should also be used to bring services closer to communities, especially in remote areas. Each centre must be effective, inclusive and sustainable.
A regulatory authority is needed to monitor the quality of assistive products and services. Without oversight, users risk receiving products that are inappropriate, unsafe or impossible to repair.
The national budget must also reflect the scale of the need. Government allocation for AT and rehabilitation services should increase, and budgeting should be transparent, participatory and compliant with the CRPD. Persons with disabilities and their representative organisations must be involved in decision-making. Rehabilitation services and assistive technologies should be provided free at the point of use through disability-inclusive social protection schemes.
Finally, service quality depends on skilled and sensitive staff. Existing and new personnel need structured training to strengthen technical expertise. More female service providers should also be recruited to ensure gender-sensitive support that protects dignity, privacy and equity.
People with disabilities in Bangladesh are looking to the government for leadership. Making assistive technology accessible to all would transform lives, uphold legal obligations and help build a more inclusive economy. On World Day for Assistive Technology 2026, the message is clear: the unmet need can no longer be ignored.
Md. Rejaul Karim Siddiquee is an advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and the CEO of Disability Law Clinic.
