Robust anti-discrimination law key to safeguard justice, elections, reforms: Debapriya

Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya has urged the enactment of a robust anti-discrimination law, cautioning that citizens' rights, justice, credible elections, and meaningful reforms cannot be guaranteed without legal safeguards.

"Three issues are crucial. If we want justice, we must ensure the protection of citizens and their rights. If we want credible polls, an anti-discrimination law is needed to ensure a level playing field. And, reforms cannot succeed without universal rights," he said at an event today (8 November). 

The Citizen Platform for SDGs organised the civic dialogue at the Bangladesh-China Maitri Conference Centre in the city's Agargaon.

Debapriya, who is the convener of the Citizen Platform and both chaired and moderated the programme, said, "We cannot talk about fighting discrimination selectively – addressing some while ignoring others is not acceptable."

"For the past few years, we have felt the necessity of a special law to tackle discrimination effectively. The previous government began work on a universally applicable law, but lacked the political courage to implement it," he said. 

"This government, which has embraced the anti-discrimination spirit of the anti-discrimination student movement, must act now – the law is the demand of the hour," said the economist.

He further said that if development benefits do not reach everyone, regional inequalities persist, and senior groups are left unprotected, then it cannot be called an anti-discrimination movement.

The event began with a video showcasing the challenges faced by marginalised communities, highlighting their hardships, lack of access to legal protections, and experiences of discrimination. 

This dialogue was organised under the Bangladesh Reform Watch initiative, implemented by the Citizen Platform, with the organisers and speakers demanding that the current interim government issue an ordinance on this law within its remaining tenure.

The chief guest of the event, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, said, "Today, the greatest form of discrimination is political. Ideologies have divided society, undermining social harmony and pushing the country toward darkness – a cancer in our midst."

He urged, "See citizens as human beings, not as helpless, disabled, transgender, or Dalit."

"We cannot treat 1971, 1990, and 1924 as separate. Debating them selectively disrespects freedom fighters and martyrs. We must remember the struggles and sacrifices across all these periods. This country belongs to everyone, and we must ensure – legally and mentally – that all citizens enjoy equal rights, without division or discrimination," said the AG.

Prominent lawyer Sara Hossain said, "The constitution prohibits discrimination on five grounds, yet it persists. The state is obliged to take special measures for marginalised communities, but initiatives are insufficient. Discrimination exists in health, education, and the right to work, and some people face multiple forms. Political parties should pledge to enact this law before elections and present it in parliament afterwards."

Shahin Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said, "Existing laws include anti-discrimination measures, but they are not enforced. A separate law for marginalised communities is needed, which the government can enact through a decree. Supporting parties can mention it in their election manifestos."

MCCI President Kamran T Rahman said that while existing laws have anti-discrimination provisions, a dedicated law is needed, along with safeguards against political or personal interference, especially for the informal economy. 

Labour leader Tahmina Rahman emphasised implementing ILO conventions to eliminate workplace discrimination.

Asif Ibrahim of the Citizen Platform's core committee stressed transparency in handling complaints and resolutions, while NCP Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah said a law is needed to eliminate all forms of discrimination, ensure recognition, protection, remedies, and mechanisms to provide sector-based citizen data to government agencies.

Abdullah Kafi Ratan, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, said, "Law alone cannot end social discrimination. People face bias based on wealth, religion, caste, and community. Around 2.5 crore Sufi and shrine-following communities are particularly vulnerable. A social movement is needed to tackle deep-rooted discrimination."

Subrata Chowdhury, acting president of Ganoforum, said, "We do not need a flattering civil society. Without real activism, an anti-discrimination society cannot be built. Discrimination persists in government, university, public prosecutor, and judicial appointments. I fear an even darker future for Bangladesh if this continues."

Professor Siddiqur Rahman Osmani of the University of Ulster, UK, said, "Everyone wants democracy, but discrimination often weakens people's engagement. Democracy may continue, but without addressing discrimination, marginalised communities grow frustrated, allowing those in power to consolidate control. Other development goals cannot be achieved until discrimination is eliminated."

Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, president of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Lawyers' Association, said, "Those in politics seeking election nominations were all part of the anti-discrimination movement. If they do not address this in their manifestos, it would be an injustice to the students and public who sacrifice their lives."