Our constitution recognises equal rights to every citizen irrespective of race, religion, caste, clan or gender. However, it is unfortunate to learn that a recently-conducted study has found that marginalised people in the country are facing discriminatory behaviour in many cases while seeking government services and benefits. The data of the study have been collected from acid survivors, Dalit, indigenous peoples, tea garden workers, and transgender people. These marginalised people, isolated from the mainstream of society, not only face discrimination and negative attitude in accessing services from public bodies on various issues including education, health, land and even social security, but also, they often are denied legal support. Such a discriminatory behaviour is severely hampering their social empowerment, and by no means desirable.
So, there is no alternative to enacting an anti-discrimination law to prevent all these unfair practices. Additionally, marginalised people must be heeded and considered while making our policies. The government must also expedite service delivery and adopt comprehensive plans so that they are ensured an equitable access to public services.
Monirul Haque Rony,
Jhikargachha, Jashore,
monirulhaque.du@gmail.com