Dalits deprived of edu, sanitation

Dalits are being deprived of education, sanitation and hygienic accommodations in Bangladesh, cited two books based on research and surveys launched at The Daily Star Centre in the capital yesterday.

Based on surveys on 632 Dalits, “Challenges and Prospects for Dalits Securing their Right to Education in Bangladesh” found that the school drop-out rate was very high among the community's children. Of the respondents, 74.30 percent believe that financial constraints were barring the community's access to education.

Another 26 percent said to have faced discrimination during school admissions, 32 percent victimised by teachers or staff and 16.7 percent discouraged by teachers from getting an education, all due to their caste. 

Among Dalits, 63 percent of the Domar, Telegu, Bede, Kaiputtra, Hela and Kolu communities had enrolled in schools while it was lower among those of the Jele, Hari, Robidas, Karigar and Buno communities.

The publication recommended ensuring compulsory primary education for Dalit children, providing education through their mother tongues, ensuring government befits and stipends and ending the discrimination in society. 

The books were published by Nagorik Uddyog and Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement (BDERM). 

The other book, “Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) for Dalits in Bangladesh: Challenges and Ways Forward”, is based on 126 Dalit colonies in urban areas and 46 communities in villages.

It said the colonies faced a scarcity of drinking water with 84 Dalits in Dhaka having to share one water source on an average while those in villages faced discrimination when using water from sources accessed by all.

see page 10 col 1, see photo online