DPI United

‍Message form the DPI Chairperson to the World Council members

‍October 2025

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‍Dear distinguished friends and members of our beloved DPI, I invite you to reflect on the legacy of our founders as we continue our journey together. Please accept my warmest greetings, and may this email bring you joy and well-being.

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‍My dear leaders with disabilities,

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‍DPI is a vital safeguard in our lives. Since 1981, it has contributed to elevating the status of the 1.3 billion disabled people. Today, it is the main source of many achievements, including the UNCRPD. DPI's existence has had a positive impact on the elimination of unacceptable and unethical concepts, discrimination, inhuman work, barriers, and lack of fundamental rights of PwDs. While it has been confronted with significant challenges for over a decade, we recognise that DPI possesses remarkable resilience, spanning from the local to the national level, a strength that is truly unrivalled in our sector. It is our humble opinion that the DPI should be restored to its full strength in order to fulfil its vital role and commitment as a global safeguard for the rights of persons with disabilities. We believe that the DPI national assemblies can realise the aspirations outlined in the DPI constitution, including the promotion of their sustainable development and livelihoods.

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‍DPI is facing some challenges in mobilising internal efforts to enhance capacities, securing leaders' commitment, obtaining sustainable funding, and accommodating the diverse interests of multiple stakeholder groups. It is my humble opinion that this calls for unwavering dedication and effective commitment from all members of the DPI World Council, national assemblies, grassroots OPDs, and supporters worldwide.

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‍My dear friends, since we are the first generation entrusted with the responsibility of shaping the roadmap for future generations of persons with disabilities, it is our pioneering duty to fulfil this responsibility and mobilise the efforts. DPI has a strong reputation, is well-liked, and has a proven track record in this area. It is a well-known and respected organisation with thousands of OPDs worldwide that are associated with its national assemblies. Therefore, we respectfully request that we come together to implement our commitment to build DPI as a strong organisation worldwide. We kindly ask that we utilise the experiences we have gained from our lives and through the DPI movement, and that we work hard for future generations. If I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity and your support, I would like to make the following pledge:

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‍I would like to complete the following actions by 2027 (two-year period):

‍    1. Complete the DPI registration and set up a headquarters.

‍    2. Organised every 6 months’ world council meeting online or offline. 

‍    3. Appoint a DPI executive director for 2 years. 

‍    4. Organised world assembly in Bangladesh by 2027.

‍    5. Complete the draft list of the national assemblies and primary communication established among 

‍        regions.

‍    6. Organised DPI 10-year strategic planning workshop and proposed for approval in the World 

‍         Assembly.

‍    7. Formulate a draft funding proposal for DPI World and circulate the proposal among the funders.

‍    8. Enhance the international role of DPI and build strategic relations with different stakeholders, such 

‍        as the UN and World Bank.  

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‍Dear friends, I was born in Bangladesh. I was fortunate enough to avoid fatal consequences when I fell from a tree at 15 years of age. As a result, I experienced a prolonged period of convalescence, including a coma lasting 42 days and a seven-year recovery process, starting in community development using a wheelchair. Since 1982, I have had the privilege of dedicating my life to leadership, commitment, and contributing to the promotion of Human Rights, dignity, and enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities. It is my great privilege to have had the opportunity to contribute to the lives of the disabled community in Bangladesh, and I am grateful for the progress that has been made under my leadership. The adoption of a dynamic approach has allowed us to enhance the quality of life for many, and the registration of hundreds of OPDs has enabled us to provide essential services to thousands of grassroots OPDs across Bangladesh. It is my understanding that the DPI National Assembly (BPKS) has raised more than 15 million USD and implemented more than 25 projects. I believe that the financial value of its property is approximately 15 million USD. I am pleased to share that I have been recognised with several awards and honours, including the “Disability Rights Champion” award from the UN. I had the privilege of contributing to various initiatives in 71 countries, spanning multiple regions, as an expert. This contribution included providing support to numerous policies, such as those of the UN, EU, WHO, ILO, USAID, AUSAID, World Bank, AEF, Asian Development Bank, governments, universities, and diplomatic missions. In addition, I had the opportunity to collaborate with several other important institutions and organisations, including CBM, HI, Caritas, World Vision, missionary institutions, Oxfam, and many donors, among others.

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‍Since its founding in 1981, DPI has had the privilege of contributing to a major global shift in the disability rights movement. DPI helped bring international disability organizations together to draft the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and played a key role in forming the International Disability Caucus, ensuring a strong and united global voice for persons with disabilities.

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‍With this history in mind, I am honored to serve as the new President of DPI. My commitment is to work with all of you to revitalize and strengthen DPI as a collaborative and inspiring international organization one that continues to advance dignity, rights, and leadership of persons with disabilities worldwide through engagement of their organizations. I sincerely hope that through our shared efforts and mutual support, we will guide DPI toward a strong, meaningful, and sustainable future.

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‍Love you all,

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‍Abdus Sattar Dulal

‍World President

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