The Government of Bangladesh announced roll out of CSF Shishu Shorgo model across 10 subdistricts, with plans for gradual national scale-up.
“Shishu Shorgo”, meaning “Children’s Heaven” in Bengali, is a community-based model developed through the work of CSF Global and the Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register (BCPR). The model focuses on locally relevant translation of evidence-based early identification, intervention, rehabilitation and social inclusion for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities living in rural and underserved communities.
“Shishu Shorgo demonstrates how locally led, evidence-based programs can transform the lives of children with disabilities and their families at a national scale. It is inspiring to see years of collaboration, research and community engagement now translating into meaningful systems change for children across Bangladesh.” Professor Nadia Badawi AM, Chair of Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, the University of Sydney.
CPA has proudly supported CSF Global and the BCPR program throughout the development and growth of this work, helping build evidence, strengthen community-based approaches and advocate for improved access to services for children with disabilities.
The announcement reflects growing national commitment to disability inclusion in Bangladesh and recognition of the impact of the Shishu Shorgo model.
On 11 May 2026, the Government of Bangladesh established a National Steering Committee on Disability Rights and Inclusive Services, co-Chaired by Professor Mohammad A. Muhit, State Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul, State Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare. The committee will oversee disability rights, equitable service access, and implementation of the Shishu Shorgo initiative.
Professor Muhit is a Bangladeshi physician, public health researcher, founder of CSF Global and Bangladesh’s State Minister for Health and Family Welfare. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing the initiative to the attention of the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
“Professor Muhit’s visionary leadership, together with the dedication of the CSF Global, BCPR, CPA and wider Bangladesh teams, has helped transform years of research, advocacy and community engagement into a nationally recognised model of care for children with disabilities.” Professor Gulam Khandaker, Scientific Advisor, Global Health and Translation, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, & Associate Director and Head of Global Health, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCRIS)
At the committee’s first meeting on 12 May, held in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government formally announced the first 10 centres.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, the initiative aims to improve healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with special needs and strengthen the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities across the country.
A national launch event was held on 14 May in Karail, one of the largest urban slums in Dhaka.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and implemented by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh.
The event was graced by Chief Guest, Dr Zubaida Rahman, renowned cardiologist, Vice-President of the philanthropic Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF), alongside representatives from the Ministries of Social Welfare, Education, Local Government and Planning.
During the launch, the CSF Global team showcased how the Shishu Shorgo model that supports children and families through community-based identification, early intervention, rehabilitation, pathways to social participation and inclusion.
For CPA, the announcement represents the impact of long-term international collaboration, research and advocacy to improve outcomes for children with disabilities in LMIC settings.
The success of the BCPR and the national adoption of the Shishu Shorgo model demonstrate how locally-led, evidence-based approaches can influence policy and drive systems change at a national level.
“This truly feels like a dream come true” the CSF Global team shared following the announcement.
CPA congratulates Professor Muhit, CSF Global, the Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register team and the Government of Bangladesh on this extraordinary achievement and looks forward to seeing the impact of Shishu Shorgo continue to grow across Bangladesh and globally.
