Reduce the gap between rich and poor
Rights activists yesterday urged the government to take effective measures to reduce the gap between poor and rich, which is growing at an alarming rate in the country.
Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the capital, they also made a call to develop an economic system that will be women-friendly and free of discrimination.
The Bangladesh chapter of South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE), a regional civil society network of eight South Asian countries, organised the conference on “ending inequality together” as part of a global campaign.
Women in this region generally face discrimination but when the women are poor, discrimination becomes more acute, said Afroza Banu, vice chairperson of Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS), a platform of women activists.
“The government is obliged to end such discrimination. We need effective measures and government must ensure accountability in this regard,” said Afroza, who is also a noted cultural personality.
Rokeya Kabir, executive director of BNPS, said most women in the country are still not involved with income-generating activities. The government should provide more facilities for their livelihoods.
“If we remain a weaker section of the population and don't become self-reliant, the powerful quarter [men] will exploit us for their benefit. We have to be vocal,” she said.
Dhaka University Professor MM Akash urged people to unite and resist discrimination.
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