‘Dev of country impossible sans inclusion of Dalit community’

Khulna Bureau :

A two-day workshop under the ‘Uplifting Vulnerable Communities Livelihood Pathway through Digital Access-II’ project started on Monday under the joint initiative of the Development Studies (DS) discipline of Khulna University and Dalit organizations and in collaboration with the donor organization Christian Aid.
The university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Harunor Rashid Khan spoke as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the workshop at 10:30 am. He said that 3.5 percent of the country’s total population belongs to the Dalit community. The desired and sustainable development of the country is not possible without the inclusion of this community. A sustainable and humane society can be built only by involving people of all classes and professions in development activities.
He also said that the mentality of belittling professions is a major obstacle to development. In the developed world, people are evaluated not on the basis of profession, but on the basis of skills and human values. We need to develop that practice in our society too. We need to eliminate differences in society and awaken humanity among everyone.
Regarding digital access, the Vice-Chancellor said that information technology can act as one of the supporting forces in the development of marginalized communities. Such an arrangement can play an effective role in increasing the awareness of students and bringing about positive changes in society.
The program was chaired by the concerned discipline head Dr. Kazi Humayun Kabir, and the university’s Registrar (Acting) Professor Dr. SM Mahbubur Rahman and Christian Aid representative Yehtra Marian spoke as special guests. Swapan Kumar Das, Executive Director of Dalit Sangstha, delivered the inaugural speech as the guest of honor. The program was moderated by Dalit Sangstha officer Arabi Sultana.
On the first day of the two-day workshop, a session titled ‘Career Guidelines on Socio-Economic Development, Social Unity and Harmony’ was organized. Participants received training on the importance of improving the quality of life of marginalized communities through digital technology, career planning, and social cohesion.