Brattyajan is a Bangla word (Brattaya meaning devotee + jan meaning people) that well defines the excluded and marginalized groups and communities of Bangladesh. From ancient times (Vedic age), the word means people who are devout, honest, simple and peace-loving. When we get close to the indigenous communities and all other marginalized and excluded groups we see they are simple, honest, religious, devout, craftsmen and peace-loving. However, they have fallen behind and they are generally poorer than others, facing human rights abuses and do not get respect they deserve, largely because of their simplicity, honesty, humbleness, minority status, ethnic identities, casteism, occupations considered to be low and lower level of education than the majority community. They are generally considered ‘others’ by the majority community, pushed to the edge and it is hard for them to migrate out of their current status.
Brattyajan Resource Centre (BRC) has been initiated through the project, “Promoting human rights of marginalized groups in Bangladesh through Brattyajan Resource Centre” funded by MISEREOR and Caritas France that are committed to promoting social justice, human rights and sound environment.
There are hundreds of government and non-government organizations that provide services to the marginalized and excluded communities. Yet, many of these groups remain invisible because of dearth of information. The ultimate goal of BRC is to contribute concretely to the protection of the marginalized and excluded communities and work unitedly with all stakeholders to assist them become equal and dignified citizens of the country.
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