Demands for Minority Rights Highlighted on International Minority Rights Day in Howrah

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Howrah, December 18, 2024: On Wednesday, the All Bengal Minority Association marked International Minority Rights Day with a seminar on the “Position of Minorities” at the Maubesia Madrasa in Uluberia, Howrah district. The event brought together various speakers who highlighted several key demands aimed at improving the conditions of minorities in West Bengal and beyond.

The speakers emphasized the need for the state government to streamline the process of obtaining OBC certificates, making them more accessible to those who require them. Another important demand was to include the Maktab, Madrasas, and SSKs (Shishu Siksha Kendras) under the Madrasa Education Board, ensuring better recognition and standardization of these educational institutions. Furthermore, the issue of employment and welfare for the families of workers who die while in service was raised, with a call for dependents to be given jobs and pensions.

One of the more urgent concerns addressed was the violence and persecution faced by the Christian community in Manipur. The speakers called for an immediate end to attacks on Christians in the state and the establishment of a peaceful environment where people of all faiths can coexist without fear.

Other significant demands included the beautification of churches and the restoration of the education system at the Hooghly Gov Madrasa, in line with the Bengal Education Code of 1931. The attendees expressed concerns that any changes, expansions, or closures of the Hooghly Madrasa should be subject to legislative scrutiny, with a specific bill to be introduced in the Legislative Assembly to safeguard its future. There was also a call for greater financial support for religious leaders, particularly imams and muazzins, with a proposal to increase their allowances to at least fifteen thousand and ten thousand rupees, respectively.

The meeting also discussed the issue of Waqf properties, with the association urging the state government to take more decisive action to recover properties that have been forcibly occupied. A call was made to repeal the controversial new Waqf Bill passed by the central government, with demands for opposition parliamentarians to vocally oppose the bill in the legislative body.

Abu Afzal Jinnah, president of the All Bengal Minority Association, presided over the event, while the general secretary, Nazibul Haque Mallick, conducted the proceedings smoothly. Several notable figures attended, including Sanjit Sunny, state secretary of the Bangiya Christian Council, and Dr. Emmanuel Singh, joint secretary of the same council. Other prominent speakers included educationists Baojul Hossain and Yusa Abbasi, SDPI leader Taedul Islam, Sheikh Mehboob Ahmed, state secretary of the Sara Bangla Madrasa Teachers and Workers Association, and lawyer Abdul Momen, among others.

The event concluded with a prayer led by Haji Anwar Shah, who wished for the welfare and prosperity of the country, emphasizing the importance of unity and peace for the progress of all communities.

The seminar served as a powerful platform for raising awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by minority communities and underscored the need for a more inclusive approach to governance, ensuring that the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or background, are upheld.