A mock National Poverty Tribunal was held in Dhaka on 21st August 2008, Thursday. The mock tribunal jointly organized by People’s forum on MDGs (PFM) Bangladesh and People’s Empowerment Trust (PET) was headed by retired justice Golam Rabbani and attended by eminent political leaders from the 4 major political parties and anti poverty goodwill ambassadors Taramon Bibi & famous folk (Lalon) singer Farida Perveen and member of the civil society. Grassroots representatives from various district submitted their petition to the jury bench seeking justice and fair wage. Workers from the tea garden demanded fair wages instead of 30 Taka per day they receive which is less then the price of 1 kg rice. They also demanded access to health service in the tea gardens, including safe drinking water and hygienic latrine.

Kohinoor a urban slum dweller demanded that her rights to basic essential services be met so that her children do not have to suffer the deprivation and pangs of hunger which she suffered.

Mozammel a landless day labourer who remain unemployed for six months, demanded respite from money lenders and find a regular source of income.

Laxmi a student of class nine coming from a family of city cleaners demanded rights to education and a life of dignity.

  
Solidarity from the political party and the women activist

The judgement of the tribunal concluded with the verdict that article 13, 59 & 60 of the Bangladesh constitution that ensures the basic human rights of the citizen to food, shelter, education, health and nutrition must be complied to ensure the constitutional rights of the citizen and thereby end poverty and establish equality and justice.

  
Audience in the tribunal premises and Anti-Poverty and MDGs Goodwill Ambassador, famous folk artist Forida parvin…..a special moment of anti-poverty concert after tribunal