3-day photo exhibition on `minority communities’ held in Dhaka

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: A 3-day long photo exhibition titled `The struggle for dignified livelihood’ was concluded on 25th November 2022 with a consultation on gender-based violence in the workplace.

The exhibition was arranged by a European Union co-funded project implemented by Nagorik Uddyog, Wave Foundation, BLAST, Bandhu Social Welfare Society and Christian Aid.

The discussion observed the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence with Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, Honorable Member of Parliament and prominent cultural figure as the chief guest.

An awareness raising play was performed by Aditi Theatre Group from Khulna to inform the audience on how the minority group of transgender and Hijra people are held back in various sectors of the society.

Tania Akhter Rohini from the Hijra community spoke to the audience recalling her life experiences that were very similar to what was portrayed by the play. She shared `Hijra like me can also achieve greatness if only we could
receive the support from society. We need opportunities to learn and establish ourselves and rightful citizens.’

The chief guest of the program, Asaduzzaman Noor, expressed his best wishes and respect to the minority communities in their struggle during the discussion.

He addressed that the minority communities have been subjected to oppression every step of the way despite many initiatives taken by government and non-government organizations.

He further commented, `to eliminate gender-based violence, we need to integrate education and culture.’

In addition, Sisti Tudu from the Mahali community said, `Bamboo crafting is our livelihood but due to the popularity of plastic in this era of, we no longer make livable wage through it. We are seeking government assistance for our community.’

In the consultation special guests Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, Bangladesh National Museum, Ms Susmita Paik, Deputy Director, National Human Rights Commission, Mr Mohsin Ali, Executive Director, WAVE Foundation, Ms Dr. Meghna Guhathakurta, Executive Director, Research Initiative, Bangladesh, Mr Prashanta Tripura, Project Director at HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Bangladesh, Mr Md. Masum Rana, Company Secretary, Queens South Textile Mills, Mr Md. Ahmed Ali, Deputy General Manager and Head of Sales, City Group, Mr Md. Ahkam Ullah, General Secretary, Shommilito Shangskritik Jote were present there too.

People from all spheres of life experienced the photo exhibition and learned the findings of the researches on the lives and livelihoods of Dalit, plainland ethnic minority, Transgender and Hijra, and People with Disability communities from 22-25 November at the Nalinikanta Bhattashali Gallery of the national museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka.