Rights of minority communities to be ensured

Planning Minister M A Mannan called for ensuring the rights of the minority communities.

He made the call at a policy dialogue and photo exhibition on the livelihood of the minority communities with the project titled ‘Empowering Left Behind Minority Communities to Effectively Participate in the Development Process of Bangladesh Project’ co-funded by European Union on Thursday.

Christian Aid in partnership with Blast, Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Nagorik Uddyog, Wave Foundation organised the event.

M A Mannan inaugurated the exhibition and said, "Not with anyone, but with everyone. It is a terrible problem not only in Bangladesh but in the whole world, which has been going on for many years. The constitution guarantees equal rights for all, so we all have to work on it to ensure the rights of the left behind minority communities.

The project's special visitor Charles Whitely, Ambassador and Head of Delegation for the European Union in Bangladesh, highlighted how delighted the EU is to be a part of it and how the exhibition images tell the tale of suffering communities.

In policy dialogue, Delegate from Christian Aid presented the research finding on the livelihood and other economic hardships of these left behind communities along with a photography assignment that showcases the lives of the people that are unable to participate in and enjoy the benefits of the mainstream development process.

In exhibition, a total 90 photos taken by Mridul Kanti Goshsami were displayed that portrayed the struggles of minority communities towards dignified Livelihoods.

The Empowering Left Behind Minority Communities to Effectively Participate in the Development Process of Bangladesh Project focuses on empowering Dalits, Hijra and Transgender, Ethnic Minority communities, Tea garden workers, Persons with Disabilities, so they can actively participate in the development process. The main objective of this project is to develop the capacity of local organizations and networks composed of and managed by the aforementioned stakeholders, empower them and accelerate their participation in the governance and development process of Bangladesh.