Ensuring equitable access to public services
The Constitution recognizes the equal rights of every citizen irrespective of race, religion, caste, clan or gender. It is inhumane for a person to be discriminated against in accessing public facilities or services because only of his or her special characteristics or community, as well as it’s a clear violation of the Constitution. However, a recent study of TIB says that marginalized people of the society such as tribals, dalits, tea garden workers, transgender people and victims of acid terrorism are discriminated against in getting public services. The study also says that these marginalized people, isolated from the mainstream of society, who have been labeled as “socially handicapped” by the society, not only face discrimination and negative attitude in accessing services from public bodies on various issues including education, health, land and even social security, but also they often are denied legal support. Such discriminatory behavior is severely hampering their social empowerment and is by no means desirable in a democratic Bangladesh with equal rights. So, there is no alternative to enacting an anti-discrimination law to prevent all these discriminatory practices and ensure accountable services. In addition to, marginalized people must be heeded and considered in making policies. The government must also expedite service delivery and adopt comprehensive plans to ensure an equitable access to public services. At the same time, all the officers and employees who discriminate against them or have a negative attitude towards them should be brought under exemplary departmental punishment. Otherwise, the establishment of a sustainable development based non-discriminatory society will be a far cry for the nations!
Monirul Haque Rony
Jhikargachha, Jashore
