Dalits demand law to establish rights
Dalit community at a national convention yesterday demanded budgetary allocation and formulation of a law to establish their rights.
Representatives of the community placed a 10-point demand at the convention jointly organised by Bangladesh Dalit Parishad and Paritran, a non-government organisation, at Ramesh Chandra auditorium of Chhayanaut Bhaban in the city.
They also demanded the government open a special department in National Human Rights Commission and a national Dalit commission to stop discrimination against around 75 lakh Dalits in Bangladesh.
They urged all political parties to ensure representatives of the community in their committees at national and local level and special quota for students of the community in government schools and colleges.
“We are treated as servants of the state for our services, but the government is always depriving us of all basic rights,” said Ashok Kumar Das, the parishad general secretary.
When victimised, Dalits do not get legal assistance due to lack of cooperation from law enforcement agencies, said Bikash Kumar Das, Paritran project coordinator.
Denmark Ambassador to Bangladesh Svend Olling and Paritran executive director Milon Das also spoke.
Around 200 Dalits attended the convention.
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