Rajshahi: Speakers at a workshop here today emphasized the importance of conducting accurate, date-based research to evaluate the real conditions of indigenous people in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. This effort aims to improve their living standards.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, accurate, data-based research is pivotal for enhancing the health and living standards of marginalized and disadvantaged communities. Without a proper assessment of the actual conditions faced by Indigenous peoples, it becomes challenging to devise effective policies, the speakers opined. They noted that a country’s development is meaningful only when all societal communities are given equal opportunities for progress.
The remarks were made at the inaugural research workshop addressing the disparities in health conditions and living standards between Indigenous and Bengali communities in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. The event was held at the Engineering Faculty Gallery of Rajshahi University’s Jamal Nazrul Islam Science Building.
The workshop marked the launch of the HEAT-ATF-W3(a) sub-project titled, ‘Health Conditions and Living Standards of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Populations Living in Rajshahi and Rangpur Divisions of Bangladesh: A Household-based Comparative Survey.’ Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University, Prof. Dr. Md. Faridul Islam, attended as the chief guest, alongside other notable figures such as Prof. Dr. M. Sayedur Rahman, VC of Uttarbanga International University, and RU’s Pro-VCs, Prof. Dr. Md. Farid Uddin Khan and Prof. Dr. Mohammad Moin Uddin.
The speakers highlighted that a household-based comparative survey could support future planning, health policy formulation, and development programs. The research findings are expected to provide critical guidelines for policymakers, development agencies, and stakeholders in the health sector.
During the workshop, it was announced that the survey would explore various aspects of life for Indigenous groups in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, including Santal, Oraon, Mahato, Munda, Pahan, and Rajbanshi communities. Topics will cover lifestyle, healthcare access, disease patterns, maternal and child health, nutrition, income sources, education, and social security. Simultaneously, data will be collected from the Bengali population in the same regions for comparative analysis.
The organizers explained that this research would help identify the extent and causes of health and living standard disparities between the two communities, leading to informed policy actions. By collecting household-level field data, the actual situation of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations will be revealed.
The event, hosted by Mehnaz Tabassum, a student of the Department of Statistics at Rajshahi University, featured a welcome speech from Professor Dr. Md. Golam Hossain of the same department. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Abu Sayed Md. Al Mamun from the Department of Statistics at Rajshahi University. Attendees included teachers, researchers, students, officials from relevant departments, and various stakeholders. Dr. Premananda Bharati, a retired professor from the Indian Statistical Institute, also attended virtually from India.