ZCZC
BSS-06
TRAINING-ETHNIC-PEOPLE (with picture)
‘People’s support important for protecting ethnic minority rights’
RAJSHAHI, Nov 14, 2018 (BSS)-Speakers at a workshop here today said
adequate support from mainstream people is very important for protection of
rights of the ethnic minority people.
Human rights movement will not succeed unless fundamental needs of the poor
and ethnic groups are addressed first. Ensuring legitimate rights to the
ethnic minority people can be the vital means of achieving the sustainable
development goals, they added.
The speakers came up with the observation while addressing the inaugural
session of a two-day ‘training workshop for community leaders and indigenous
authorities on monitoring of public policies’ at DASCOH training hall in
Rajshahi city.
Kapaeeng Foundation organized the workshop in association with its
programme of implementation of making the SDGs work for peoples under
indigenous navigator initiative in Bangladesh.
European Union and International Labour Organization supported the
training.
A long-term plan to solve the existing problems of the region’s ethnic
community was highly focused in the discussion for their self-reliance and
peaceful existence as the conventional development programmes and approaches
yield less desired results for the disadvantaged communities.
Empowerment of the disadvantaged communities for ensuring social justice of
the ethnic minorities is very vital for elevation of their living and
livelihood conditions alongside their mainstreaming.
Fazley Hossain Badsha, MP, attended and addressed the session as chief
guest with president of Jatiya Adibashi Parishad Rabindra Nath Saren in the
chair.
Manager of Kapaeeng Foundation Hiran Mitra Chakma and its Programme
Coordinator Shohel Chandra Hajang and Executive Director of Anagrasar Samaj
Unnayan Sangstha Raj Kumar Shaon also spoke.
Lawmaker Badsha said the mainstream people should protect the rights of
the minority groups and that there should be a harmony between the mainstream
people and the minority ethnic groups.
He urged the government to come up with immediate plans to prevent the
encroachment on the lands of the indigenous people.
Around 50 people comprising development activists, students and community
leaders are taking part in the workshop.
BSS/AH/AKM 1400hrs