Dalits still deprived of basic civil rights: Conference
After four decades of the country's independence, the dalits are still deprived of basic civil rights, speakers told the biennial conference of Bangladesh Dalit Women's Movement yesterday.
Leaders of Dalit Panchayet Forum and Harijan Oikya Parishad said dalit women were still not allowed to vote or go out of house, and child marriage and dowry system were very commonplace in these communities.
Dalit women also do not get maternal leave, which is a gross violation of human rights, they added.
Priyo Bala Bishwash, executive director of SHAREE, an NGO, said the lifestyle of the dalits was still primitive and they were isolated from society.
Baby Moudud, member of the standing committee on the social welfare ministry, said, “Quotas will be created for the dalits in job and education sectors.
"The dalit and harijan women will be trained for free under the social welfare ministry so that they can contribute in the process of national development.â€
SHAREE, with the support of Oxfam Bangladesh, arranged the conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity.
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