Dhaka: Speakers at a discussion here today suggested working out a plan to address discrimination the country's marginalized communities are facing for years, saying that the issues should get priority in the government's ongoing reform efforts to build a discrimination-free country. The speakers, comprising academics, economists, and rights activists, underscored the need for allocating land for landless people, prioritizing the social dignity of marginalized communities, and carrying out reform activities ensuring equality for all. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, noted economist Professor Dr. Rehman Sobhan emphasized addressing the crises and discrimination against marginalized communities since the 1960s. Speaking at a discussion at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre, he suggested that anti-discrimination and reform drives could begin with smaller communities, as their size would make planning and execution more manageable. Sobhan also proposed sharing ownership of tea gardens with worke rs to minimize exploitation, fostering dedication and commitment among tea estate workers. He highlighted that issues such as land disputes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and salary concerns in tea estates have persisted since before the Liberation War, noting that despite political changes, discrimination has continued to rise. The discussion was organized by the Society for Environment and Human Development (SEHD), Brattyajan Resource Centre (BRC), and Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), focusing on the protection of marginalized communities. Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) Executive Chairman Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman stated that the state must heed the voices of marginalized communities to understand the depth and dimensions of their long-standing issues. He stressed the importance of ensuring fairness and dignity in reforms, as people have been striving to establish their dignity for years. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua pointed out the inadequacies in the land management syst em, emphasizing the state's capacity to allocate land for each citizen and stressing that homelessness or landlessness should not exist in the country. The discussion was enriched by the participation of representatives from various communities, including Adivasis, tea workers, sex workers, transgender individuals, and others. Special guests included SHED Director Philip Gain, CPD Fellow Professor Rounaq Jahan, BRAC University Professor Syed Mesbahuddin Hashemi, and IUB's Head of Media and Communication Department, Professor Dr. Zakir Hossain Raju. Community voices were represented by figures such as former BCSU General Secretary Rambhojon Koiri, CHT Youth Headman-Karbari Network President Joya Tripura, Parittran Executive Director Milan Das, and Bangladesh Harijan Oikkya Parishad President Krishna Dal.
