Speakers at a Dhaka discussion have demanded urgent steps to guarantee the basic rights of Dalit communities in Bangladesh. At an event organized by the Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded People’s Rights Movement (BDERM) and Nagorik Udyog, Labor Reforms Commission head Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed said sanitation workers face severe discrimination, including being denied maternity leave. He called for a list of these deprivations to be prepared and for election candidates to pledge to address them.
Other speakers highlighted how Dalits continue to face untouchability, exclusion, and lack of recognition in society. Shireen Huq, President of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, called this reality “shameful.” Dhaka University professor Salma Akhtar stressed the need for skill development, modernization of professions, and changing social attitudes to overcome inequality. Political leaders also underlined the importance of stability and a common voice to resist discrimination and mob violence.
The discussion, titled “Development Ideas for the Dalit Community of Bangladesh to Achieve Reforms and Sustainable Development Goals”, was chaired by BDERM President Uttam Kumar Bhakta. Civil society representatives from CPJ, Caritas, RIB, PHM and others joined academics, journalists, and rights activists in urging recognition, protection, and empowerment of Dalit and marginalized communities.
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