The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rangpur

The government's steps to strengthen the local government bodies for ensuring smooth development, institutionalising democracy, protecting human rights and justice for the people at the grass roots, are yet to be effectively and fully implemented for achieving the long cherished goals. Dozens of female UP members, women and human rights activists at a workshop here on Saturday presented the grim picture while narrating their field level experiences about deprivation of the female UP members and stressed for ensuring their rights in making local government institutions more effective. They said, relaxation of administrative control in the activities of Union Parishads along with empowerment of female UP members in the local government bodies are must to give democracy a firm footing and ensure uniform development in the country.

They also underscored the need for local participatory work-plans, preparing policies and allocation of funds and just facilities to the female UP members and properly involving with the overall development activities of the local government institutions for sustainable developments in all rural sectors.

Nari Adhikar Unit (NAU) of Rangpur- Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS) organised the workshop at its Begum Rokeya auditorium for the female UP members and female federation leaders of RDRS of eight northern districts in greater Rangpur and Dinajpur. Chaired by Women Rights Coordinator of NAU Manjushree Saha, the workshop was attended by its Programme Coordinator Azizul Karim as the chief guest.

Deputy Director of 'Ain O Shalish Kendra' Mrs Saniya Fahim Ansari, Programme Manager of NAU Syeeda Nawrin and Senior Manager (Legal) Habibur Rahman were present as the special guests. A total of 128 participants including 102 elected female UP members and 26 elected female federation chairmen of RDRS from Rangpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh and Dinajpur districts took part in the workshop. Female UP members and federation chairmen Rokeya Begum, Kulsuma Begum, Delwara Begum, Rahela Begum, Julekha Begum, and many others, addressed the workshop.

Citing various practical field level examples in the workshop, the participants narrated as how they are being deprived of their rights as elected public representatives because of the attitudes of the male UP chairmen. Putting special emphasis on rural arbitration, they said the process could create friendly relations and congenial social environment among all rural people, especially the backward section, poorer and distressed and would help all in getting justice at their villages without knocking the doors of the courts.