City Desk :
Dr Rezwana Karim Snigdha speaks in a discussion held at BISR’s office in Lalmatia, Dhaka on Thursday,
The Bangladesh Institute of Social Research (BISR) Trust has raised concerns over the insufficient rehabilitation efforts for individuals impacted by the Padma Bridge project.
In a discussion held at BISR’s office in Lalmatia, Dhaka, on Thursday Dr Khurshid Alam, a prominent sociologist, criticized the lack of equitable resettlement for residents in the surrounding areas and various professional groups affected by the project.
Dr Alam said that while the bridge has significantly improved transportation, it has failed to provide fair compensation and resettlement, especially for marginalized communities.
He emphasized the lack of accountability and awareness within civil society as a key reason behind the inadequate rehabilitation efforts.
The sociologist also highlighted the rising land prices in the areas surrounding the bridge, which have disproportionately benefited male family members, often depriving female siblings of their inheritance.
He pointed to the absence of effective civil society intervention in addressing these inequalities.
Additionally, Dr Alam voiced concern over the limited recognition of those who died in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, noting that prominent individuals receive more recognition, while the sacrifices of marginalized workers and low-income individuals are overlooked.
Dr Rezwana Karim Snigdha, an associate professor of Anthropology at Jahangirnagar University, also criticized the current state of civil society, arguing that it often aligns with political interests rather than representing the broader public.
She emphasized the importance of a robust civil society to safeguard leadership and democratic processes in Bangladesh.
The event was attended by students and researchers from various institutions, calling for further research and action to address the highlighted issues.