[ZESTCaste] Bangladesh: Dalit miseries told in drama

[Siddhartha Kumar]

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=129339

Tuesday, March 9, 2010Front Page

Dalit miseries told in drama

Former adviser to the caretaker government Rokia Afzal Rahman
inaugurates a programme celebrating the International Women's Day on
the Dhaka University campus yesterday by releasing balloons. Dhoritri
Foundation organised the event.Photo: STAR
DU Correspondent A group of Dalit girls described their tales of
suffering in their everyday lives by staging a drama at Sarak Deep at
Dhaka University campus yesterday.

The girls used the occasion of International Women's Day to highlight
how Dalit girls and women are being deprived of opportunities in
various sectors, including education and work.

After the play concluded, the Dalits made an eight-point demand to
have their economic, civil, and human rights recognised.

The play was arranged by the Dhoritri Foundation, which is run by
members of Dalit community.

The foundation also hosted a fair with hand-made products on display,
including eye-catching clay ornaments.

Former adviser to caretaker government Rokia Afzal Rahman formally
inaugurated the programme.

Chief guest Rokia said she was delighted to attend the function and
promised to work with the community to strengthen their rights-based
movement.

Rokia placed emphasis on ensuring access to technology to working women.

Executive Director of the Foundation Adan Islam said women of Dalit
community are the most vulnerable in society as they are deprived of
many basic human rights.

Dalits speak different languages as they are a mixed population of
various caste groups across South Asia.

They are traditionally regarded as the lowest caste.

Hundreds of Dalit women also assembled at DU campus to voice their
social, economical and human rights.