Dalit representatives’ cofce held in Rangpur

RANGPUR, Sept 22: Speakers at a district-level Dalit Representatives’ Conference-2026 in the conference room of the ESDO office in the city on Tuesday called for coordinated efforts by government and non-government organisations to ensure the rights, social safety-net benefits and civic services of the Dalit community.

The conference was organised under the project titled “Strengthening Rights and Entitlements of the Dalit Community in Rangpur,” implemented by Debi Chowdhurani Palli Unnayan Kendra (DIPUK).

Deputy Director of the District Social Services Office, Nusrat Fatema, attended the event as the chief guest. Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Salowara Begum, officials from Social Services, Youth Development and Rangpur City Corporation, NGO representatives, journalists and Dalit representatives from 104 groups under the project were also present.

Dalit representatives said the project had increased their awareness of government services, social safety-net allowances and civic rights. They also said they had made progress in communicating with government offices and seeking their rights.

Nusrat Fatema said the project had brought positive changes to the Dalit community. She assured that government support would continue to improve their livelihoods and develop their traditional occupations.

Journalist Labone Yeasmin said many Dalit families still live in extremely poor conditions and called for stronger government and private initiatives to improve their quality of life.

DIPUK Chief Executive Md Nurul Islam delivered the welcome address, while Project Coordinator Md Iqbal Hossain moderated the event.