Eastern Bank PLC has launched a significant initiative to foster a more inclusive educational environment for children with special educational needs. Under its flagship corporate social responsibility programme, ‘Project Briddhi’, the bank has entered into a strategic partnership with Footsteps Bangladesh to establish specialised libraries designed to serve children who are often overlooked within mainstream schooling.
The initiative seeks to create accessible, self-supportive learning spaces tailored to children with developmental, cognitive, sensory and physical disabilities. At a formal ceremony held at the bank’s head office in Dhaka, a grant cheque was presented to representatives of Footsteps Bangladesh. Senior officials from both organisations attended the event, underscoring the collaborative commitment behind the project.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps
Despite progress in expanding access to education, many institutions across the country lack appropriate library facilities for children requiring specialised support. According to sectoral assessments by education and disability advocacy groups, a considerable proportion of children with disabilities remain excluded from fully participating in academic and extracurricular activities due to inadequate infrastructure and limited adaptive resources.
Experts emphasise that inclusive libraries are not merely reading spaces. They serve as developmental hubs that promote language acquisition, social communication skills and emotional resilience. However, most schools lack Braille books, tactile learning materials, visual communication aids and assistive technologies.
The proposed libraries will incorporate:
Braille and tactile books alongside adapted learning resources
Sensory-supportive furniture and calming environments
Mobility-friendly shelving and infrastructure
Designated spaces for creative and interactive learning
Architects and accessibility consultants are involved in the design process to ensure compliance with universal accessibility standards. Features such as wider doorways, non-slip flooring, adjustable-height furniture and clear visual signage are expected to form part of the final layout.
Broader Educational Context
Educational statistics indicate that a significant number of children nationwide require some form of specialised learning assistance. Yet such facilities are heavily concentrated in urban centres, leaving rural communities underserved. Inclusive libraries are increasingly recognised as cost-effective interventions that can enhance educational retention, academic confidence and long-term social integration.
Below is a summary of key representatives present at the ceremony:
| Organisation | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Bank PLC | Ziaul Karim | Head of Communications and External Affairs |
| Eastern Bank PLC | Major Md Abdus Salam (Retd) | Head of Administration |
| Eastern Bank PLC | Md Abdullah Al Mamun | Company Secretary |
| Eastern Bank PLC | Md Maskur Reza | Head of Business Technology |
| Footsteps Bangladesh | Mohammad Taqi Yasir | Co-Founder and Vice-Chair |
| Footsteps Bangladesh | Ibrahim Daud Abir | Head of Programme |
| Footsteps Bangladesh | Sadia Tanzim Tania | Programme Development and Growth Officer |
Speaking at the event, Ziaul Karim reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustainable initiatives aimed at empowering marginalised children. Mohammad Taqi Yasir noted that supportive learning environments can significantly boost confidence and encourage meaningful social participation among children with special needs.
The initiative is widely regarded as a constructive step towards strengthening equity and inclusion within the national education landscape, signalling a deeper alignment between corporate responsibility and social development priorities.