Identifying problem and finding the way out
500 join conference on participatory research
Over 500 people from Rajshahi and neighbouring districts joined a conference at Dr Kaiser Memorial auditorium of Rajshahi Medical College yesterday, sharing their success stories in ensuring human rights through self-research.
They are gono gabeshak -- they identify the problems in respective villages and find out ways to resolve it through participatory action research.
They conduct anti-narcotics drives, sanitation programme and work to ensure justice for all.
The researchers, mostly from different minority groups, indigenous people and ultra-poor families, are playing entrepreneurship role in different development works and protection of human rights at their villages.
At yesterday's conference organised under Setu Bandhan project of NGO Broti, the researchers shared their experience in raising voice against dowry, child marriage and oppression on women at their villages.
Broti arranged training for the public researchers under its Setu Bandhan project assisted by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).
Eminent litterateur Prof Hasan Azizul Haque attended the conference as chief guest while MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam, Language Movement veteran Abul Hossain, Jatiya Adibashi Parishad General Secretary Rabindranath Soren, Broti Executive Member Dr Mahmuda Islam were present as special guests.
Sharmin Murshid, chief executive of Shetu Bandhan project, presided over the function.
Earlier Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton inaugurated the programme and took part in a colourful rally amid songs and dances presented by indigenous men, women and children.
Prof Hasan Azizul Haque called upon all to devote to building a nation free from disparity and injustice, starting the practice at family levels.
“The curse of social degradation would be gone if people learn to honour rights of each other. Bangladesh was liberated with a goal towards economic and social freedom and building a society free from disparity,” Shaheen Anam said.
"No development can sustain without state-protection for the indigenous people. Miseries of the indigenous people are endless as they fall victim to the land grabbers and influential quarters," said Rabindranath Soren.
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