‘Include Dalits, Harijans in mainstream’
The Dalit and Harijan communities in Bangladesh are being neglected only because of their profession and birth identity. If they are not included in the mainstream society, their social isolation and deprivation of civic services will keep increasing, said speakers in a dialogue yesterday.
The dialogue, titled "Challenges of Socio-economic Development of Dalit Communities", was organised by Dalit, an NGO, with financial support of USAID and Counterpart International, at Khulna's Ava Centre.
Bikash Kumar Das, coordinating secretary of Bangladesh Dalit Youth Parishad, mentioned that Dalits living in Khulna do not even have electricity in their homes.
"Moreover, fishers from the Dalit community living in wards 14 and 16 of Khulna city do not have their fisher cards," he added.
Kishore Lal, who lives in Sonadanga Harijan Colony of Khulna city, said, "Our community lives across 10 wards of Khulna City Corporation." However, there is only one place allotted for them called Harijan Palli in Sonadanga.
"In the other areas, we live as refugees, with fear of being evicted at any point in time. We don't have access to fresh-water supply or a proper sewage system. Housing is an issue for us that needs to be solved as soon as possible," he added.
Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque said everyone should think about the condition of these communities.
"I have discussed the grievances of the communities with departments concerned and have been able to resolve four issues. I always keep monitoring to ensure that no one aside from Harijans gets a job under the quota set for the community members," said the city mayor.
Ward councillors of various wards of KCC, representatives of civil society and community representatives of various parties were present in the dialogue.
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