২১শে নভেম্বর, ২০২৪ খ্রিস্টাব্দ
সংস্করণ:
Article 28 of our constitution guarantees that no citizen can be discriminated against on the basis of religion, caste, gender, or place of birth. It affirms the equal rights of men and women in all areas of state and public life and ensures that no individual should face any obstacle in gaining admission to places of public recreation or educational institutions merely due to such characteristics. However, despite these constitutional protections, citizens continue to face discrimination in various forms in society, highlighting the persistent gap between legal provisions and social reality.
Understanding Discrimination
Before we address the ways in which discrimination occurs, it is essential to first define what discrimination is. Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, particularly on the grounds of race, religion, gender, or place of birth. Its synonyms include “difference” and “inequality,” and it often manifests as unequal treatment marked by prejudice or bias. In legal terms, discrimination can be classified into four main types: direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and organizational discrimination.
Direct discrimination happens when a person receives less favorable treatment compared to others in a similar situation because of characteristics like race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Indirect discrimination, on the other hand, occurs when a seemingly neutral policy, standard, or practice disadvantages individuals with specific characteristics. Harassment, a form of discrimination, involves unwanted behavior linked to these characteristics, creating a hostile or offensive environment. Finally, organizational discrimination refers to the unfavorable treatment of an individual due to their association with people who have certain characteristics, such as race, religion, or gender.
In addition to these legal classifications, there are other forms of discrimination in society. Discrimination based on perceived characteristics occurs when an individual is treated unfairly due to the assumption that they possess certain traits. Multiple discrimination, where a person faces discrimination on more than one ground, is also prevalent. Moreover, “denial of reasonable accommodation” is another form of discrimination, particularly against people with disabilities or chronic conditions.
Discrimination is not limited to individual actions; it can also be perpetrated by businesses, organizations, and even the state. As a result, despite constitutional safeguards, various forms of discrimination continue to plague society, contributing to social inequalities and creating barriers to justice, opportunity, and human dignity.
Economic Disparities and Discrimination
While the constitution ensures equal rights, economic disparities in society reveal a stark contrast to the guarantees of equality. National income growth, increased per capita income, growing foreign exchange reserves, and advancements in women’s empowerment are often seen as indicators of a nation’s economic progress. However, despite these positive trends, the persistence of economic inequality tells a different story.
The gap between the rich and the poor, as measured by the Gini coefficient, is alarmingly close to the red zone, signalling dangerous levels of inequality. As the number of multi-storied buildings and luxury cars on the streets increases, so do the number of beggars and homeless individuals. This growing economic divide is mirrored by rising social crimes, as those at the bottom of the economic ladder face not only financial hardships but also social disadvantages.
Economic discrimination takes many forms, including income and wealth disparities, gender inequalities, and regional imbalances. These disparities are not limited to financial deprivation; they also perpetuate broader social disadvantages, hindering access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. While the government has launched various social security programs aimed at reducing inequality, these efforts often fall short of addressing the growing wealth gap between the rich and the poor. Corruption, tax evasion, and the influence of powerful elites exacerbate the problem, making it difficult to bridge the divide.
Several factors contribute to this growing income inequality. First, the unequal distribution of land and wealth limits the poor’s access to productive resources and opportunities. Second, a lack of progressive taxation and inadequate social protection policies prevent the redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor. Third, the concentration of economic and political power in the hands of a few elites allows them to capture excessive profits, subsidies, and policies that favor their interests. Fourth, poor-quality public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure disproportionately affect marginalized communities, hindering their overall development. Lastly, discrimination against women, ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and rural dwellers further entrenches social and economic inequalities.
The impact of growing income inequality extends beyond economic indicators. It erodes social cohesion, fuels discontent, and undermines democratic institutions. As wealth becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, it reduces trust in the government, impedes poverty reduction efforts, and stifles human development. Moreover, economic inequality threatens environmental sustainability, as the overconsumption of resources by the wealthy leads to ecological imbalances.
Disparities in Education and Employment
The disparity in access to education and employment is another significant driver of inequality in society. Those who are highly educated and certified in their professions often enjoy greater employment opportunities, higher incomes, and more comfortable lives. In contrast, less educated and uneducated individuals, particularly day labourers, middle-class workers, and low-income earners, struggle to meet their basic needs. The lower middle class, in particular, faces immense challenges in maintaining a decent standard of living, while the poorest members of society are often pushed further into destitution.
Despite working hard, many of these individuals are unable to escape the cycle of poverty due to systemic barriers and social inequalities. As a result, they become increasingly marginalized, both economically and socially. Without access to quality education and employment opportunities, they remain trapped in low-paying jobs that offer little chance for upward mobility.
The growing divide between the educated and uneducated, the wealthy and the poor, highlights the need for comprehensive social and economic reforms that address the root causes of inequality. Until these issues are addressed, the gap between the rich and the poor will continue to widen, threatening social stability and undermining the nation’s long-term development.
Toward a Society Free of Discrimination
To build a society free from discrimination, it is crucial to initiate moral and ideological changes that promote equality and justice for all. This requires ensuring the democratic rights of every citizen, including freedom of speech, social freedom, and mental freedom. Every person, regardless of their background, should be recognized and respected as a human being.
The lessons of past movements and revolutions offer valuable insights into how we can create a more just and equitable society. We must seize the opportunities before us to build a nation that reflects the dreams and sacrifices of those who fought for equality. The new Bangladesh must be one where discrimination is eradicated, and every citizen is treated with dignity and respect.
This journey will require patience, perseverance, and a commitment to justice. All stakeholders—government officials, civil society, and ordinary citizens—must work together to create a Bangladesh that is free from discrimination. Only then can we achieve sustainable development and build a future where every person, regardless of their religion, caste, gender, or socio-economic status, can thrive.
(PID Feature)
