Debapriya calls for parties to eradicate discrimination in polls manifestos

Economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya has called on political parties to include clear pledges in their election manifestos to eliminate all forms of discrimination from Bangladesh’s legal and social systems.

“Political parties must pledge to eradicate discrimination within the legal framework through their election manifestos,” said Dr Debapriya, Convener of Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh.

Speaking at the opening session of a dialogue titled “Elimination of Discrimination in Bangladesh: Legal Context, Current Reality and Way Forward” on Saturday, he stressed that incorporating such commitments would be a crucial step toward real implementation in the future.

Dr Debapriya pointed out the persistent gap between constitutional promises and the everyday experiences of marginalized and vulnerable communities across the country.

The dialogue was organized by Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, in partnership with Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Manusher Jonno Foundation and Nagorik Uddyog, with support from Switzerland and UNDP.