Employment the solution to eradicate discrimination
Eminent rights activist Advocate Sultana Kamal yesterday urged the government to ensure employment for the marginalised communities, like physically challenged and transgender, to eradicate discrimination against them.
Speaking at a discussion on the importance of social diversity, she also called upon people to change their mindset towards these communities, and cooperate with them as much as possible.
Institute of Wellbeing Bangladesh (IWB) arranged the programme at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.
Each and every family in the country is somehow connected to these people -- differently-abled, transgender, ethnic minorities and harijans -- who are lagging behind in getting basic amenities, said Sultana, chairperson of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
“By taking some initiatives and formulating a few laws [for the marginalised communities], we cannot claim that we have performed our duties properly,” she said, addressing the government.
The former caretaker government adviser also urged the government to ensure accessibility of physically-challenged people to all public buildings and roads. Besides, she called upon private television channels to introduce showing subtitles and sign language while broadcasting programmes.
“Every one of us is differently-abled… We don't think of it. Each person has at least one or multiple limitations, mental or physical,” said Sultana.
“We have to be aware and change our mindset towards them [marginalised people]. Instead of showing sympathy, we have to bring the change as it is a matter of conscience and humanity,” she said.
“When we will be able to fulfil the demands of these people, then we can claim to be a developed country, where nobody is left behind,” she added.
IWB Acting Director Debra Efroymson, among others, spoke at the programme.
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