Localization of SDGs: Issues of Dalit and Excluded communities Nagorik Uddyog and BDERM organized a series of dialogues at the district level to mobilize SDGs focusing issues of Dalit and Excluded communities. On the 30th of December, 2019, a dialogue held at Rangpur titled “Sustainable Development Goals-2030: Inclusion of Dalit and Excluded Community”. The dialogue was chaired by eminent academician of Rangpur Mr. Moloy Kishor Bhattachrya. Ms. Mohsina Khatun, Panel Chairman, Rangpur Jila Parishad was the chief guest. Other guests were Mr. Masudar Rahman Milan, Vice Chair, Rangpur Sadar Upazila Parishad, Mst. Kajli Begum, Vice Chair, Rangpur Sadar Upazila Parishad, Ms. Ira Haque, President, Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Rangpur, Khandakar Fakhrul Anam Benju, Chairperson, Sushaner Jonno Nagorik (SUJON), Rangpur city and Mr. Zakir Hossain, Cheif Executive Nagorik Uddyog. Mr. Uttam Kumar Bhakta, General Secretary, BDERM facilitated the event. A keynote paper was presented which highlighted the status of the Dalit community in the Rangpur Division and placed some recommendations to be addressed by the government and other concerned agencies. The guests and speakers assured that they would incorporate the issue brought forth, of the Dalit from their respective activities.
Vulnerability of Dalit to Climate Change and inclusion in the SDGs
NU, BDERM and Paribartan, Khulna jointly organized a seminar on “Climate Vulnerability of Dalit and Excluded People of the Southern Coast: Protection and Inclusion in the SDGs” on December 24, 2019 at CSS AVA Center, Khulna. The seminar aimed to identify vulnerability of the Dalit and other socially excluded people living in the coastal areas due to the impact of climate change, finding ways forward to address their issues and the engagement of relevant government department, civil society and development organizations to ensure their inclusive development. The meeting was attended by Ms. Gloria Sarkar Jharna MP as chief guest while Mr. Syed Rabiul Islam, Additional Divisional Commissioner (development) chaired the seminar. Besides, relevant government departments, civil society representatives also participated in the meeting. Hundreds of affected Dalit community people attended the seminar and shared their concern in the seminar.
National Seminar on adoption of Draft Anti-Discrimination Act
A round table discussion titled “Why Anti-Discrimination Act should be adopted urgently was organized on the 12th of December, 2019. Mr. Israfil Alam, MP was the chief guest while Ms. Lutfa Begum, MP and Mr. Shamim Haider Patwary, MP were present as special guests of honor along with two academicians having expertise in relevant laws. The round table was also attended by representatives of different excluded communities and shared the justification in favor of adoption of this act.
National Budget Monitoring:
An analytical report focusing allocations for the Dalit population in the national budget 2019-2020 has been prepared and shared with the policy makers and relevant stakeholders. Advocacy activities with a view to influence the policy makers to increase allocation in the national budget continued based on the report.
Day observance:
BDERM also celebrated Victory Day and paid homage to the martyrs of the liberation war placing wreaths at the National Mausoleum at Savar. BDERM also celebrated international human dignity day at 50 districts with the slogan of our struggle, our dignity and our freedom.