Identity & Inclusion: Building Synergy between Community Radio & Dalit movement

Linking identity issues & Community Radio in Bangladesh

AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR Chief Executive Officer Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication

Dalit in Bangladesh
Bengali Dalits : Hindu, Christian and Muslim) found across the country Non-Bengali Dalits: Non-Bengali Dalits who previously migrated From India to what was then East Bengal. (1835 to 1850 during the British colonial period) Approximately 5.5 million Dalits and people from socially excluded communities in Bangladesh

 The state shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Constitution of Bangladesh, Article 28(1)

Government Response in Bangladesh

Allocation fund for Development of Housing Include in Government Safety Net Program Include in Governmental Micro Credit Program Special Seat Reserve 1.0% of University of Dhaka along with other 2 University ?????????

Problems of Dalit in Bangladesh

Problem of recognition and constitutional rights of Dalit and excluded communities Problems related to employment, housing, health and education Dalit women - life and deprivation Political participation and empowerment of Dalit and excluded Poverty, untouchability and type of discriminations of Dalits and excluded

Role of Community Radio in Dalits and people from socially excluded

Program for Dalits and people from socially excluded communities in Bangladesh to address the 4 Deficits Deficit of Information Low awareness on standards, norms, rights & entitlements Deficit of Participation Inadequate institutional spaces for Dalit engagement in governance Deficit of Alternatives Limited or no options with regard to alternatives (espcially for poor and vulnerable) Deficit of Accountability Weak Monitoring & Regulation; Poor grievance redress

Community Radio Response in Bangladesh

Access to resources ! Fairer Institutions ! Participation and engagement ! Enabling Environment To build awareness amongst Dalits and excluded communities of their socio-economic, cultural, and political rights. To build public awareness against discrimination based on work and descent. To make policy makers (both government and non-government) sensitive and responsible to meeting the rights and needs of Dalit and excluded communities. To ensure access of Dalit and excluded communities to development, basic services and benefits.