Participants at a roundtable titled “Surokkhito Manobadhikar Somriddho Jibon”, organised by National Human Rights Commission, at The Daily Star Centre in the capital yesterday, marking the upcoming Human Rights Day on December 10. Photo: Star

Proper implementation of laws and policies passed to protect the rights of marginalised groups, including women, children, and religious and ethnic minorities, is necessary to ensure dignified life of citizens, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.
The roundtable titled “Surokkhito Manobadhikar Somriddho Jibon” was organised by National Human Rights Commission at The Daily Star Centre on the occasion of Human Rights Day on December 10.   
Kazi Reazul Hoque, a full-time member of the rights body, pointed out the necessity of appointing a ombudsman for children as stipulated in the constitution.
However, Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, said there would be no benefit of appointing an ombudsman if he or she was not delegated power or authority.     
Prof Mesbah Kamal, secretary general of the National Coalition for Indigenous People (NICP), stressed the need for decentralisation of power in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by implementing the CHT Regional Council Act, and the Hill District Council Act. He stressed that indigenous identities of all ethnic minorities and their community right to land be recognised in the constitution.
Aroma Dutta, a member of NHRC, said, “If we want to bring minorities to the mainstream,  there must be representatives from each religious and ethnic group at policy making levels and in military, police, and civil administration."
Prof Shah Alam, member of Bangladesh Law Commission, stressed the need for proper interpretation of the Holy Quran and Hadith.
Terming Bangladesh a unique country with great potential, Barrister Amirul Islam said human rights education should be made mandatory at all levels.