History Of Bangladeshi Dalits

Explore the evolving Dalit movement in Bangladesh, a movement still in its early stages, as reflected in the recent adoption of the term ‘Dalit,' replacing the previous usage of ‘Antaj' in Bengali. The awareness and organization within the Dalit movement are primarily associated with two groups: the Muci/Rishi/Chamar and the Sweepers/Harijan, the latter preferring the term ‘Harijan' for their caste.

Despite gaining attention from media and civil society in recent years, the movement faces challenges. The misconception that caste discrimination is exclusive to Hindu India, not affecting Muslim-majority Bangladesh, hinders its progress. Additionally, the involvement of non-Dalit organizations, attempting to mediate between Dalits and international donor organizations, adds complexity to the landscape. This video delves into the nascent yet significant Dalit movement in Bangladesh, exploring its challenges and potential for positive change.