Democratizing the traditional mediation (Shalish) system

Democratizing the traditional mediation (Shalish) system

Shalish is a traditional village-level adjudicating mechanism through which judgment is given on diverse issues, ranging from marital discord to property distribution to access to common property resources. In the context of rural Bangladesh, shalish has a great legitimacy. Thislegitimacy stems from, a) failure of the state in providing low-cost and easily accessible legal institutions,…

Land and Human Rights Situation of Indigenous People of the Plain Land in Bangladesh

Land and Human Rights Situation of Indigenous People of the Plain Land in Bangladesh

Around 3.5 lakhIndigenous Peoples (IPs) of plain land in the northern districts (16 districtsunder Rajahsahi and Rangpur Divisions) of Bangladesh are subject to various types of violence because of their indigenous identity, of which eviction from land is the most common phenomenon. Dispossession of traditional land and natural resources is a common problem for the…

Creating Community in a United States City: Bangladeshi Women Share Their Immigrant Experiences

Creating Community in a United States City: Bangladeshi Women Share Their Immigrant Experiences

In 1997 and 1998 Lisa Young Larance pursued a Fulbright funded research project in rural Bangladesh. During her stay in Bangladesh Nagorik Uddyog provided technical assistance for her work. Her current research, a collaboration with Rubena Malik, ―Creating Community in a United States City: Bangladeshi Women Share Their Immigrant Experiences”, attempts to demystify the immigration…

Bringing Dalit Women to the Forefront: Realities and Challenges

Bringing Dalit Women to the Forefront: Realities and Challenges

The Dalit are one of the most marginalized groups in Bangladesh and are often subject to discriminatory treatment. Historically, they have been oppressed by dominant groups in mainstream society. The majority of Dalits are very poor, underprivileged, and possess limitedjob opportunities. Moreover, they are politically underrepresented and many are forced to live in inhumane conditions….