ERA has always strived to include persons with disabilities in its various projects, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunity. Globally, approximately 15% of the population lives with some form of disability, and 2–4% of them experience significant functional challenges. According to recent WHO findings, this number is rising—driven by an ageing population, increasing chronic diseases, and better methodologies for measuring disability.
Despite progress, people with disabilities continue to face serious inequalities. They often endure poorer health, lower educational outcomes, fewer economic opportunities, and higher rates of poverty compared to those without disabilities. These disparities are largely the result of limited access to essential services and the many barriers they encounter in everyday life.
In Bangladesh, according to the BBS Survey, 3.29% of men and 2.34% of women are living with disabilities, with most being physically challenged.
Md. Toyebur Rahman, a 45-year-old resident of Debergaon village in Jawabazar Union under Chhatak Upazila, is one such individual. He lives with his wife and two young children. Toyebur, who is physically disabled, has no regular employment and survives through begging—the only source of income for his family.
During a devastating flood, his humble home was severely damaged. The water washed away all his furniture and rendered his latrine unusable. With everything lost, he was left broken and disoriented.
In this time of despair, ERA reached out with emergency support, providing him with BDT 4,500. While this aid offered some relief, it was not enough to repair his home. Recognizing his continued vulnerability, ERA extended further support by providing an additional BDT 10,000. With this grant, Toyebur was finally able to repair his flood-damaged house.
However, his struggle is far from over. Despite having shelter, Toyebur still faces daily hardship. His disability prevents him from doing physically demanding work, and with a young child who is too small to contribute, he continues to rely on begging to feed his family.
His plea is simple yet heartfelt—he seeks help from kind-hearted individuals and organizations so he can live a life of dignity, free from the shackles of poverty and dependence.
Leave a Reply