Parittran is a Development and Human Rights organization established in 1993 by a group of visionary Dalit (caste-oppressed communities) students. Based in Satkhira district of the South Asian country-Bangladesh, Parittran began its journey as a community-managed organization dedicated to uplifting marginalized, disadvantaged, and climate-vulnerable people. Its efforts prioritize empowering Dalits, Indigenous people, Children, Adolescents, Youth and Women ensuring their dignified and equitable lives.

Parittran has almost 31 years’ experience in championing the Dalit rights movement in Bangladesh. The organization has earned a strong reputation for advancing social justice and promoting equity by developing comprehensive programs to safeguard the inherent rights of the marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

These programs encompass a wide range of critical issues, including Dalit, Indigenous and Marginalized People’s Rights, Peace Building, Climate and Disaster Resilience, Early childhood development and protection, youth participation, leadership, and civic involvement and engagement, humanitarian response, gender-transformative actions, social movement and other tailor-made issues as and when needed.

Parittran is leading and nurturing a strong national network called the “Bangladesh Dalit Parishad (BDP)”. This network comprises one national body, eight divisional committees, 54 district committees, 216 upazila (Sub-district) committees, and 820 union-level (lowest govt. administrative units) committees, ensuring grassroots representation nationwide. Through this initiative, Parittran has prepared approximately 34,069 grassroots Dalit leaders across the country including 12,089 women (35%).

Parittran has implemented 34 impactful projects, positively affecting the life of 150,500 families. These initiatives have enabled marginalized communities to overcome poverty and lead dignified lives. Furthermore, Parittran’s initiatives have significantly increased Dalit participation in local governance, empowered them to influence decision-making processes that directly impact their communities, ensured sexual and reproductive rights (SRHR), prevented child marriages, addressed Gender Based violence (GBV), and strengthened civil society through evidence-based advocacy, legal assistance, and capacity building. Parittran also addressed critical areas such as COVID-19 response, RTI, disaster management, social audits, emergency response, awareness campaigns, access to safety nets, and inclusive quality education fostering opportunities for all.

Parittran actively engages in different international forums, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to amplify marginalized voices and advocate for their rights on a global stage. Simultaneously, it contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 8 (Decent Work), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace and Justice), and 17 (Partnerships). Through advocacy, capacity building, and sustainable solutions, Parittran empowers communities, combats inequality, and promotes climate resilience for a better future.

Parittran’s advocacy efforts have been instrumental in achieving several landmark legislative milestones including: The Right to Information (RTI) Act 2009, The Domestic Violence Act 2010, Allocation for Dalits in the National Budget-2012, The Disability Act 2013, The Anti-Discrimination Bill 2022.

Parittran’s commitment to holding government duty-bearers’ accountability is groundbreaking. The organization has established strong partnerships and working relationships with key local government departments and institutions, including the Social Services Department, Women’s Affairs, Legal Aid Offices, Youth Development, Community Health Centers, and Upazila Health Complexes.

Through its innovative approaches and unwavering dedication, Parittran continues to drive meaningful change for the marginalized communities, advancing both equity and justice at the grassroots level.

With a steadfast dedication to equity and inclusion, Parittran wishes to champion the well-being of those in need and always welcomes partnership with development partners –national and international- in its noble journey.