Humyra Anjum, a 2nd-year student at Dhaka University, is leading a project to make polling stations accessible for persons with disabilities. She, along with three team members, started this ongoing initiative in April 2024 after participating in the DFTP Spring course.
In Bangladesh, nearly 3 million people live with disabilities. Despite provisions for disabled voters, the Election Commission has not effectively implemented measures to ensure their access to polling stations. This lack of accessibility prevents many disabled individuals from exercising their right to vote.
To address this issue, Humyra’s team is auditing polling stations to assess their disability-friendliness and identify barriers. They advocate for more inclusive voting centers and engage in community dialogues with disabled voters to understand their needs. Additionally, they raise awareness by sharing audit results on social media.
The project has already audited three buildings in Dhaka, identifying significant areas for improvement. This initiative has successfully highlighted the need for accessible polling stations and started a conversation about the voting rights of persons with disabilities.
Humyra’s work is creating a significant impact by pushing for necessary changes and fostering an inclusive voting environment. The project is not only helping to remove physical barriers but also empowering the disabled community to participate in elections. As awareness grows and more polling stations become accessible, this initiative will help ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can exercise their right to vote.