Govt determined to fulfill constitutional rights: Law Minister
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed Friday said the government is determined to fulfill the constitutional rights of the people of the country, reports BSS.
Constitutionally there is no disparity, but it has been created on social, financial grounds, which is not desired as the constitution of the country ensures fundamental rights to every citizen, he said.
The Minister said this while, speaking as the chief guest at the concluding session of the 10-day International Anti Racial Disparity Day celebration programme.
International Anti Racial Disparity Day Observation Committee organised the seminar with assistance of Manusher Jonno Foundation.
Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education Rashed Khan Menon, MP, Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Shagufta Yasmin, MP, HKS Arefin, Dr Meghna Guhathakurta, representatives of Harijan and Dalit communities also spoke on the occasion.
President of Bangladesh Harijan Oikkyo Parishad Krishna Lal chaired the seminar. Representatives of donor agencies and NGOs were also present.
"The state would never discriminate people on the basis of religion, ethnicity, race and places of birth." If anyone faces any disparity individually or institutionally, he or she has the constitutional right to protest it and take legal action, he added.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the state, he mentioned adding that it is not possible to enact any law, which deprives people of their rights that are protected by the constitution, Barrister Shafique Ahmed said.
"If there is any law that has created disparity barring members of Harijan and Dalit communities from getting jobs would be repealed," he said. If needed new law would be enacted to support the members of the community who fa ce differences in getting admissions at schools, or getting jobs or other services, he added.
Constitutionally there is no disparity, but it has been created on social, financial grounds, which is not desired as the constitution of the country ensures fundamental rights to every citizen, he said.
The Minister said this while, speaking as the chief guest at the concluding session of the 10-day International Anti Racial Disparity Day celebration programme.
International Anti Racial Disparity Day Observation Committee organised the seminar with assistance of Manusher Jonno Foundation.
Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education Rashed Khan Menon, MP, Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Shagufta Yasmin, MP, HKS Arefin, Dr Meghna Guhathakurta, representatives of Harijan and Dalit communities also spoke on the occasion.
President of Bangladesh Harijan Oikkyo Parishad Krishna Lal chaired the seminar. Representatives of donor agencies and NGOs were also present.
"The state would never discriminate people on the basis of religion, ethnicity, race and places of birth." If anyone faces any disparity individually or institutionally, he or she has the constitutional right to protest it and take legal action, he added.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the state, he mentioned adding that it is not possible to enact any law, which deprives people of their rights that are protected by the constitution, Barrister Shafique Ahmed said.
"If there is any law that has created disparity barring members of Harijan and Dalit communities from getting jobs would be repealed," he said. If needed new law would be enacted to support the members of the community who fa ce differences in getting admissions at schools, or getting jobs or other services, he added.