A national consultation on “Social Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence” for promoting Pluralism” was held on 14 March 2018 at Hotel Lakeshore organized by CAMPE under the support of CFLI. The major objective was to draw the attention of policy makers to include the concept & practice of pluralism in school activities.
Mr. Rashed Khan Menon, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare graced the occasion as Chief Guest. H. E. Benoit Prefontaine, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh attended as Guest of Honor while Ms. Rasheda K. Choudhury, Executive Director of CAMPE presided and facilitated the session.
The Honorable Minister stated that Bangladesh is a land of diversity, but we can’t recognize indigenous people properly due to embargo from a powerful groups in the government. The land issue of indigenous people is still unresolved. He also stated that to establish equal right of indigenous people is not very easy and has a negative impact in the development. In Bangladesh, now government is working to solve these issues through enacting various laws and directives. Education and awareness are also important tools to develop the socio-economic condition of indigenous people. In this regard, “I appreciate the initiatives of CAMPE to aware concerned students and other stakeholders to build a pluralistic society with peaceful co-existence. My ministry is willing to help this effort which will ultimately help the government to bring social harmony towards development of disadvantaged people including indigenous.
H. E. Benoit Prefontaine, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh in his address stated that CANADA has a great history of pluralistic society. The current Canadian Citizens are from different origin, they are from different cultures & customs, they have their diverse festivals, get all Canadian citizens participate & share the joys of these festivals together. Pluralism is the core value of Canadian society.
Canadian government promotes the beauty of diversity & is very particular for ensuring equal rights for all. Bangladesh also has a long history of diversity. They have been living in this land in harmony since a long time but some recent incidence shows the reverse. I believe that Bangladesh Government is very responsive towards all citizens’ right and the constitution of this land institutionalize this obligation. It is time for the people of this country especially the youth to come forward to revive social harmony & build a pluralistic society. The effort of CAMPE will obviously re-enforce the process to work together to support indigenous and other marginalized class to enjoy equal opportunity in all aspect. I appreciate this initiative and hope that our collaboration and support will continue in future.
During the concluding speech Rasheda K. Choudhury thanked the Canadian High Commission for their support to CAMPE in bringing out the voice of the unheard and marginalized.
During the open discussion a group of students from the indigenous community also shared their concerns and expressions of discrimination. They pointed out how their lands were forcefully grabbed by politically strong communities leaving them helpless and even penniless. One girl from the Dalit community pointed out how they were discriminated in the school by both teachers and students. Another participant pointed out about their vulnerability and high chances of early marriage in absence of security. They mentioned how their friends have been taken to other villages and married off in the cover of dark night. Both boys and girls spoke about the need for promoting human dignity and respect, through education and awareness on pluralism.
Other discussants and participants emphasized on wider dissemination of the concept of ‘Pluralism’ throughout the country. They suggested to organize school based campaigns across the country for building pluralistic society.
