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Giving Now Magazine

September 2025 Edition

Volume-3 Issue-9

Giving Now Magazine Hero Image – September 2025 | Empowering Disability Voices in Bangladesh

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of Giving Now Magazine.

Published by ODIR Bangladesh (Organization for Disabled Improvement and Rights), this issue marks a powerful convergence of legacy, leadership, and forward-thinking action.

In Issue #9, we spotlight the inspiring journey of Palli Shayastha Unnayan Shangstha (PSUS), a pioneering organization that has spent over 35 years transforming lives through inclusive education, health, and empowerment. We also celebrate the election of Abdus Sattar Dulal as President of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI), a global milestone for Bangladesh’s disability rights movement.

Mental health takes center stage with a critical exploration of neurodiversity and wellness, while GivingTuesday Bangladesh showcases the energy and vision of young changemakers driving generosity across communities.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A feature on PSUS’s inclusive development model and its impact on education, health, and livelihoods.

  • A press release on BEERI’s national seminar and research team formation for early education reform.

  • Editorial insights on disability priorities at UNGA 80 and Bangladesh’s global advocacy.

  • An exclusive interview with Iftekhar Hossain Sohel, a voice of resilience and reform.

  • Lifestyle and wellness tips for carers and neurodiverse individuals.

  • A youth-led revolution in generosity and social transformation.

  • Human rights reflections, eco-tourism prospects, and cultural narratives of kindness.

 

Explore the full articles in the Articles tab, or get a quick overview in Highlights.

Read online or download

That’s all for the September 2025 edition of Giving Now Magazine.

Thank you for being part of a movement that champions dignity, inclusion, and generosity. This magazine thrives because of the visionaries, volunteers, and readers who believe in a Bangladesh where every person matters — regardless of ability.

Let’s continue building a future that’s accessible, compassionate, and united.

PSUS’s Legacy of Inclusion – Since 1989, Palli Shayastha Unnayan Shangstha (PSUS) has empowered marginalized communities through inclusive education, maternal health, and microfinance. Their flagship program for children with disabilities has transformed classrooms and lives across Tangail and beyond.

BEERI’s National Seminar – The Bangladesh Early Education Research Institute (BEERI) launched a national seminar and research team to reform early education. Teachers and researchers now have access to training, global opportunities, and inclusive curriculum development.

Dulal Elected DPI President – Abdus Sattar Dulal’s election as President of Disabled Peoples’ International marks a global milestone. His four-decade journey from local activism to international leadership reflects Bangladesh’s growing influence in disability rights.

UNGA 80 Editorial – Hasan Mahmud urges Bangladesh to prioritize disability rights at the UN’s 80th General Assembly. With over 21 million citizens affected, the editorial outlines eight key reforms for inclusive governance and development.

Mobocracy & Disability Politics – Syed Javed Ali explores how populist politics can either empower or exclude persons with disabilities, calling for inclusive representation and policy safeguards.

Interview with Iftekhar Hossain Sohel – A candid conversation with a changemaker who overcame adversity to become a national advocate for inclusive education, mental health, and storytelling as a tool for reform.

Neurodiverse Nutrition – Shakil Azad Monon offers adaptive diet tips for neurodiverse individuals and those with physical disabilities, emphasizing sensory-friendly foods and caregiver support.

Caring for the Carer – Ayesha Firdoz highlights the emotional toll on caregivers and shares self-care strategies to help them thrive while supporting others.

Mental Health Matters – Aysha Islam Apon critically examines mental health challenges in the disability community, advocating for culturally sensitive care and stigma reduction.

Raqibul Islam’s Success Story – A powerful narrative of resilience and achievement, showing how inclusive opportunities can transform lives.

Youth Revolution – Dip Mozumder celebrates young changemakers who are turning impossibilities into achievements through activism and innovation.

Human Rights Without Borders – Abdul Aziz calls for global unity in defending disability rights as fundamental human rights.

Eco-Tourism for All – Md. Mekail Ahmed explores how accessible eco-tourism can uplift communities and promote sustainable travel.

PADs Training Spotlight – A leadership program empowering persons with disabilities to become peacebuilders and community advocates.

Generosity Across Cultures – Tanha-E-Nur reflects on how kindness transcends borders and builds inclusive societies.

Strategic Generosity – Alida Tchinda shows how intentional giving strengthens communities and fosters resilience.

GivingTuesday Youth Power – Ashfaq Rahman Khan Araf showcases youth-led generosity campaigns that redefine philanthropy as a lifestyle.

Palli Shayastha Unnayan Shangstha (PSUS): Three Decades of Inclusive Development

By Editorial Desk, Giving Now Magazine

Founded in 1989 by Mashiur Rahman Khan, PSUS has become a beacon of inclusive development in Bangladesh. This feature traces its 35-year journey of empowering marginalized communities through grassroots education, health services, women’s leadership, and disability inclusion. With a strong presence in Tangail and beyond, PSUS has pioneered early intervention programs for children with disabilities, maternal health campaigns, and microfinance initiatives for women. Their flagship Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities program has transformed classrooms and communities alike.

BEERI Initiates National Seminar and Research Team Formation

By Giving Now Editorial Desk

The Bangladesh Early Education Research Institute (BEERI), a sister concern of ODIR, has launched a national seminar and research initiative to modernize early education. This press release outlines BEERI’s goals: inclusive curricula, teacher training, and research opportunities for under-resourced educators. The seminar, held in Dhaka, featured keynote speaker Kamruzzaman and offered pathways for teachers to join BEERI’s national research network and even pursue teaching careers abroad.

Abdus Sattar Dulal Elected President of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI)

By Giving Now Editorial Desk

A historic moment for Bangladesh: disability rights pioneer Abdus Sattar Dulal has been elected President of DPI, a global organization with 140 national assemblies. This article chronicles his journey from surviving a life-altering accident at 15 to founding 30 OPDs and representing Bangladesh in 71 countries. Dulal’s leadership vision includes legal reform, global advocacy, and inclusive development. His election is a milestone for South Asia’s disability movement.

At UNGA 80, Disability Needs to Be Prioritized

By Hasan Mahmud

This editorial calls for disability rights to be front and center at the 80th UN General Assembly. With over 21.5 million people with disabilities in Bangladesh, the author urges the government to advocate for inclusive policies, budget allocations, and implementation of the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act. The piece outlines eight actionable reforms, including employment quotas, sports federations, and national monitoring committees.

Proposed Future Policy: Disability Inclusivity in the Era of Mobocracy

By Syed Javed Ali

A provocative opinion piece exploring how populist politics (“mobocracy”) can either marginalize or empower persons with disabilities. The author argues for inclusive political representation, accessible campaign platforms, and policy safeguards to ensure that disability rights are not sidelined in volatile political climates.

Exclusive Interview with Iftekhar Hossain Sohel

By Giving Now Editorial Team

In this heartfelt interview, Iftekhar Hossain Sohel shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and becoming a voice for the voiceless. From grassroots activism to national advocacy, Sohel discusses the importance of inclusive education, mental health awareness, and the role of storytelling in changing perceptions about disability.

Food & Nutrition: Diet Tips for Neurodiverse Individuals and People with Physical Disabilities

By Shakil Azad Monon

This lifestyle piece offers practical dietary advice tailored for neurodiverse individuals and those with physical disabilities. It emphasizes balanced nutrition, sensory-friendly foods, and adaptive meal planning. The article also highlights the importance of caregiver support and culturally appropriate dietary choices.

Self-Love is Important: Caring for the Carer

By Ayesha Firdoz

A compassionate wellness article focusing on caregivers — the unsung heroes of disability support. It explores emotional burnout, self-care routines, and community resources that help carers maintain their own well-being while supporting others.

From Hope to Healing: A Critical Exploration of Mental Health Challenges

By Aysha Islam Apon

This powerful piece delves into the mental health struggles faced by people with disabilities and their families. It discusses stigma, access to care, and the need for culturally sensitive mental health services. The author, a psychology student, brings both academic insight and personal empathy to the topic.

Md. Raqibul Islam: Inspiring Journey of Struggle and Success

By Giving Now Editorial Desk

A moving success story of Md. Raqibul Islam, who overcame systemic barriers and personal hardship to become a role model in the disability community. His journey underscores the power of resilience, education, and inclusive opportunity.

Transforming Impossibilities into Achievements: The Youth Revolution

By Dip Mozumder

This Youth Voice feature celebrates young changemakers who are redefining what’s possible. From grassroots activism to digital advocacy, the article showcases how youth are leading the charge for inclusion, equity, and social innovation.

Human Rights Know No Borders: Let’s Unite!

By Abdul Aziz

A stirring call for global solidarity in defending human rights. The author emphasizes that disability rights are human rights and urges cross-border collaboration to dismantle discrimination and build inclusive societies.

Prospects of Eco-Tourism in Bangladesh

By Md. Mekail Ahmed

This article explores how eco-tourism can be both sustainable and inclusive. It highlights accessible travel initiatives, nature-based livelihoods, and the potential for tourism to uplift marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities.

Peacebuilders Advocates with Disabilities (PADs) Training

By Giving Now Editorial Desk

A spotlight on PADs, a training initiative that equips persons with disabilities to become peacebuilders and community leaders. The program blends conflict resolution, leadership development, and advocacy training.

 

Generosity Across Cultures: A Universal Language of Kindness

By Tanha-E-Nur

This cultural piece explores how generosity manifests across different societies and how kindness can bridge divides. It reflects on shared values and the role of giving in building inclusive communities.

The Ripple Effect: How Strategic Generosity Builds Stronger Communities

By Alida Tchinda

A deep dive into the mechanics of generosity — from micro-donations to community-led philanthropy. The article shows how intentional giving can create systemic change and foster resilience.

Youth Power on GivingTuesday: The Changemakers of Tomorrow

By Ashfaq Rahman Khan Araf

A GivingTuesday special highlighting youth-led generosity campaigns. From campus drives to digital storytelling, this piece showcases how young people are redefining philanthropy and making generosity a lifestyle.

Tags:

Giving Now Magazine, disability rights Bangladesh, inclusive education, DPI President Dulal, PSUS Bangladesh, BEERI seminar, mental health Bangladesh, GivingTuesday youth, neurodiverse nutrition, ODIR Bangladesh