Australia Awards South and West Asia

Living with a visual impairment, Mohammed Mosharef Hossain Bhuiyan knows firsthand the challenges that people with disability face every day. Instead of letting those challenges define him, he has turned them into a source of strength and purpose. In his current role as Manager, Disability Inclusion for BRAC’s Gender Justice and Diversity program in Bangladesh, he leads initiatives that embed disability inclusion across BRAC’s programs, enterprises and departments. His work ensures accessibility, reasonable adjustments and accommodations, and inclusive communication at every level of the organisation.

With over 18 years of experience in the disability and development sector, Mosharef has worked with leading organisations such as the National Forum of Organizations Working with the Disabled, Centre for Disability in Development and Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping national policies and systems. Notably, he significantly contributed to drafting the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013, a landmark piece of legislation that strengthened the legal framework for disability rights in Bangladesh.

“Inclusion is not charity—it is a right,” says Mosharef.

Beyond his professional roles, Mosharef has been an active advocate and volunteer for promoting disability inclusion. He served as General Secretary of Bangladesh’s Visually Impaired People’s Society, amplifying the voices of graduates with visual disability and promoting equal opportunities in education and employment.

Mosharef pictured during his time as an scholar in Australia.

Mosharef completed his Master of Public Policy and Management at Flinders University in Australia in 2021, with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship. This experience was transformative, broadening his understanding of inclusive policies and giving him the confidence to influence change back home. During his time at Flinders University, he actively engaged in leadership roles, serving as Vice President of the Bangladesh Student Association and General Secretary of the Association of Students with Disability.

“Studying at Flinders University was a turning point in my life,” he says, reflecting on this journey. “It gave me global perspectives on disability inclusion and strengthened my ability to advocate for systemic change.”

One of Mosharef’s most impactful initiatives came during his tenure as Project Manager at the Centre for Disability in Development, when he led a project to strengthen digital skills among people with disability. Under his leadership, hundreds of individuals gained access to assistive technologies and training on using digital platforms, enabling them to pursue education and employment opportunities.

“Technology can be a great equaliser. When people with disability have access to digital tools, they can break barriers and participate in society on equal terms,” says Mosharef. This project not only improved livelihoods but also inspired policy dialogues on digital accessibility at the national level.

Since joining BRAC in September 2024, Mosharef has been at the forefront of disability inclusion. He provides technical guidance and capacity-building support to BRAC’s development programs and self-sustaining enterprises, promotes accessibility and reasonable accommodations within organisational systems, leads evidence-based advocacy and organises national-level campaigns, builds partnerships with organisations of people with disability, and coordinates monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress on inclusion. Through these efforts, he is influencing organisational practices and contributing to systemic change in Bangladesh.

Mosharef (far left) participating as a panellist in BRAC’s discussion on inclusive sustainable development goals for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

As a person with visual impairment, Mosharef thrives on turning challenges into opportunities. “My disability does not define my limits—it defines my purpose,” he says. “I want to influence policies and practices so that every person with a disability can dream big and achieve their goals without barriers.”

He envisions a society where disability inclusion is not an afterthought but a fundamental principle in development planning. With his expertise in program planning, advocacy and rights-based approaches, combined with his passion for social justice, Mosharef continues to be a driving force for change, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“My white cane is not just an assistive device,” Mosharef says. “It’s a symbol of my independence, confidence and dignity. It represents my spirit and my ability to navigate life on my own terms.”

Mosharef proudly holding his white cane.