‘This government can play important role to improve Dalits' condition’

Eminent economist Professor Anu Muhammad has emphasized that the current interim government has the potential to significantly improve the conditions of the Dalit community in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a seminar titled "Harijan-Dalit Community in Reform and State Thought" at the National Press Club on Friday afternoon, he noted that while the government cannot overhaul everything, it can still make substantial progress by addressing critical issues such as housing, healthcare, and education for Dalits.

Professor Anu Muhammad emphasized that if the interim government prioritizes issues like housing, healthcare, and education for Dalits, it would show a genuine commitment to eliminating discrimination. He stressed the need for collective action from oppressed groups to achieve progress, noting that past efforts by governments and NGOs have been insufficient.

Muhammad also criticized the social stigma faced by Dalits, particularly those performing essential services, and called for a cultural shift. “The media can play a pivotal role in highlighting the real situation of Dalits and combat the misunderstandings that fuel their disrespect,” he added.

During the seminar, a set of eight demands was presented, urging the government to take immediate action to address the community’s needs. The key demands include:

1. Establishing an independent commission to identify discrimination as a punishable crime and creating a ‘Special Tribunal for the Elimination of Discrimination’ to safeguard the rights of Harijan-Dalits.

2. Providing free education and healthcare to the Dalit community, as well as a special quota system for university admissions and government jobs.

3. Raising the salaries and ensuring job security for cleaners working in various public institutions, including city corporations, municipalities, and clinics, and providing benefits such as paid maternity leave, festival bonuses, and retirement allowances.

4. Securing permanent land rights for the Harijan community, with registration of their land to prevent evictions without proper rehabilitation.

5. Granting constitutional recognition to the Harijan community.

6. Recognizing the contributions of Harijan-Dalit martyrs in the liberation war and providing support to their families.

7. Ensuring Dalit representation in reserved parliamentary seats.

8. Implementing the 80% quota for Harijans in government cleaning jobs for a specified period.

The seminar was presided over by Suresh Bashfor, president of the Harijan Rights Organization. Speakers included Barrister Sara Hossain and writer-researcher Altaf Parvez. Over a hundred members of the Dalit community from across the country also attended the event, reinforcing the call for meaningful change and inclusion.