Article 21 (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, states:
"Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country"

Despite this, disabled people in Bangladesh face immense difficulties in accessing services, facilities and opportunities. There are a number of reasons behind the poor accessibility in Bangladesh; however, probably the root of the problem is lack of awareness of disability and the needs of disabled people. This results in disabled people being marginalised and excluded from mainstream society. They are rarely consulted or considered when planning infrastructure or services. Without understanding disability and the needs of disabled people the situation cannot radically improve - to solve a problem it first needs to be understood.

Accessibility is often seen only in terms of physical infrastructure. It is obvious that many disabled people are not able to enter buildings, cross busy roads, get on or off buses or trains or use public facilities. Thus, one can say that disabled people are denied access to transport and freedom of movement. However, the problem extends beyond that which is immediately apparent. If a disabled person cannot travel to or enter a health complex he or she is also denied healthcare. If the same applies to educational institutions he or she is denied access to an education. If the same applies to a workplace he or she is denied access to a source of income.

Even if a building is designed to enable a disabled person to enter, his or her mobility may still be restricted. Light switches may be out of reach, sinks and mirrors too high, lifts and ramps unavailable or doorways too narrow to pass through.

Additionally, even if a disabled person is educated, healthy and qualified to do a job, the prevailing attitudes to disability will often prevent him or her being considered for that post. The same can be said of training and financial or credit opportunities.

Accessibility in all its forms remains a matter of equal rights and opportunities.