Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Nov 18, 2025 (BSS) – Speakers at a meeting here today unanimously stated that integrated efforts of all – the government and non-government organizations concerned – can be an effective means of mainstreaming the dalit people.

They mentioned that socially excluded people are subjected to repression and discrimination, so there is no way but to make collective efforts to improve their living and livelihood conditions.

The time has come to build a society free from all forms of discrimination based on work and descent, ensuring equality, dignity, and security for all.

Government officials and development activists made the remarks while addressing the Rajshahi Divisional Dalit Conference-2025 at Shah Dine Community Centre in the city.

The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement (BDERM) and Citizen’s Initiative to press home the demand for housing and enhanced access to government services, including the formulation of discrimination-free laws.

Students Adviser at Rajshahi University Prof. Amirul Islam, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Shabnom Shirin, Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Development Ashiqur Rahman, Social Service Officer Kazi Fahima Munni, and Director of Rajshahi Divisional Ethnic Minority Cultural Academy Harendra Nath Singh addressed the meeting as guests of honour.

BDERM President Uttam Kumar Bhakta presided over the meeting, while its General Secretary Shipon Kumar Rabidas moderated the discussion.

The speakers unequivocally called for concerted efforts by all government, non-government, and volunteer organizations concerned for sustainable development through the elimination of disparity.

Utmost emphasis should be given to bringing left-behind communities, including dalit, hazrijan, and ethnic minorities, under the country's development process, together with their empowerment.

More work needs to be done to ensure that Dalit and Excluded communities have access to the development process and basic services such as housing, education, and healthcare.

There is also a need to build awareness among Dalit and Excluded communities about their socio-economic, cultural, educational, and political rights.

The meeting was told that BDERM is committed to protecting the rights of Dalit and excluded people in Rajshahi and aims to build an equal society by eliminating discrimination based on work and descent through a variety of activities.

Their activities include raising awareness among Dalit communities about their rights, advocating to policymakers for inclusive laws and policies, promoting access to basic services, and conducting national and international campaigns to combat discrimination.

They also engage in specific initiatives such as providing aid during crises and organizing cultural events to challenge taboos.