HR body for indigenous people demanded
Jatiya Adivasi Parishad (JAP) has demanded formation of a separate human rights commission to protect human rights of the indigenous people.
Rabindranath Soren, president of the parishad, raised the demand at a press conference held at the local press club yesterday, marking the International Human Rights Day.
He also demanded formation of a separate land commission, implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the rights of indigenous people and setting up of a cultural academy for them.
Addressing the press conference, other leaders of the parishad said people belonging to ethnic minority groups are deprived of their rights in education, political, social and cultural sectors in the country.
The rights of indigenous people won't be ensured unless a separate human rights commission is formed, they said.
At the conference, JAP chief Rabindranath Soren announced that they would form human chains in 16 districts of Rajshahi and Rangpur division on January 15 to mount pressure on the government to meet their demands.
In Chapainawabganj, Dalits formed a human chain in front of the deputy commissioner's office in Chapainawabganj town yesterday demanding their human rights.
Bangladesh Dali and Excluded Rights Movement (BDERM) Chapainawabganj unit arranged the programme, marking the Human Rights Day.
Addressing a rally at the venue, speakers demanded enactment of a law to ensure civic rights of Dalits. They urged the government to regularise jobs of Dalits in city corporations, municipalities and public and private organisations.
They also demanded 80 percent reserved posts of sweepers for Harijans in every sector.
Brahmmanath Thakur, president of Chapainawabganj unit of Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement, social activist Dobiur Rahman Lalu and political leader Rafiqul Islam spoke, among others.
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