Enact anti-discrimination act now

The government should enact the draft Anti-Discrimination Act-2018 as soon as possible, speakers at a discussion said yesterday.

Nagorik Uddyog and Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement (BDERM) jointly organised the roundtable on “Why the anti-discrimination act needs to be passed soon?” at The Daily Star Centre.

Aleya Begum Lily, general secretary of Bangladesh Sex Workers’ Network, said although registration of a sex worker is preceded by procurement of a license through affidavit from a first-class magistrate, they are still evicted from their house without a single day’s notice.

Ivan Ahmed Kotha, president of Shocheton Shilpi Shangha -- an organisation working for rights of the Hijra community -- said although she has been leading her organisation since 1999 and proved herself as a successful person, she still has to face discrimination inside her family.

Ali Imran, a representative of the Urdu-speaking community living in the capital, said when they try to get a passport, they face challenges in verification process, as officials treat them as non-Bangladeshis, despite the 2008 HC verdict that gave them the right of being citizens of Bangladesh.

M Robiul Islam, deputy director of National Human Rights Commission, said he was skeptical about the latest update of the draft act.

Three lawmakers -- Lutfun Nesa Khan, Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary and Md Israfil Alam -- spoke at the event. Israfil said since the objectives of minority commission and the anti-discrimination act are similar, only one can be implemented, and he would prefers the law.

BDERM President Moni Rani Das appreciated government initiatives for left-behind communities, but said there must be proper monitoring to ensure that the beneficiaries can avail the opportunities.