The constitution of Bangladesh clearly states that any discrimination on the grounds of religion, caste, race, sex or place of birth is unconstitutional. Unfortunately, the original constitutional promises of equality of minority groups in Bangladesh.

Despite a clear constitutional assurance, political, economic and social exclusion on the basis caste, class, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic group etc. is common across Bangladesh.

Among the most ostracised and marginalized communities in thecounty are the approximately 6.5 million (according to survey of social welfare ministry) Dalits who experience constant exclusion based on their occupation, language, religion and financial status.

Caste systems and prejudice against Dalits traditionally derive from Hinduism but in Bangladesh the practice has been adopted by sections of the Muslim population as well.

The social exclusion of Dalits is obvious from the physical and social barrier in both rural and urban settings throughout the country, Dalits are barred from renting or building houses outside designated localities, often denied entry to temples and religious activities, creation ground and refused tea at the local tea stalls and restaurants.

They are even denied access to houses belonging to non-Dalits on the grounds of their caste. Dalits are regularly excluded from education and the use of water and sanitation facilities leaving often destitute people with no choice bu to continue for generation in ‘dirty’ jobs reinforcing their position as ‘untouchable’.

Dalit women face multiple forms of discrimination and violence – a threefold inequality based on class (disempowerment); gender (the fact of being female); and caste (Dalit). The triple discrimination ascertains Dalit women as the most vulnerable group in the Bangladeshi society.

Parittran, as a local NGO partner of MJF, is working in Keshobpur and Monirampur Upazilas of Jessore district and Dalit movement at 54 district in Bangladesh.

The organisation helps the Dalit (untouchable) community to take their rightful place in the mainstream population and secure access to basic services, such as schools, hospitals, safety net programmes and also access to markets. Tackling Violence against dalits, Women & Girls is an integral component of the programme.