Attorney general seeks political parties' pledge to enact Anti-Discrimination Act
He said inconsistencies remain in the Constitution regarding discrimination, and “successive governments have used religion” for political gain
Attorney General (AG) Md Asaduzzaman today (8 November) urged all political parties to pledge their commitment to formulating and enacting an Anti-Discrimination Act in Bangladesh.
"At present, the most severe form of discrimination is political. Political ideology has divided society to such an extent that it has destroyed social harmony and pushed the nation into darkness," he said while addressing as chief guest at a civic dialogue on formulating an Anti-Discrimination Act, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center.
He said inconsistencies remain in the Constitution regarding discrimination, and "successive governments have used religion" for political gain.
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He emphasised that women should be at the forefront of social awakening, urging them to launch a movement with the slogan: 'We will not vote unless political parties commit to ending gender discrimination and compel the government to issue an ordinance against it.'
Asaduzzaman also said citizens should not be viewed as helpless, disabled, transgender, or Dalit — rather, they should simply be seen as human beings.
The event was organised jointly by Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh; Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (Blast); and Citizen's Initiative, with support from the UNDP and the Swiss Embassy.
Citizen's Platform Convener and CPD Distinguished Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya chaired the dialogue, while Blast Executive Director Barrister Sara Hossain presented the keynote paper.
Sara Hossain said that the Constitution prohibits discrimination on five specific grounds. "However, many other forms of discrimination persist in society," she said.
"The state is constitutionally obligated to take special measures for disadvantaged groups, yet this is not being implemented. Rights to health, education, and employment remain unfulfilled. Many individuals face multiple layers of discrimination," she added.
Sara Hossain further pointed out that quota systems are an internationally recognised, temporary measure designed to ensure equality until true parity is achieved.
She called on political parties to include a clear commitment in their election manifestos to enact the Anti-Discrimination Act and to present it in Parliament after the upcoming national elections.
