Photo : Collected
A delegation of the Urdu-speaking community met with Dr. C. R. Abrar, Adviser to the Ministry of Education, today (July 10) at his office at the ministry.
During the meeting, the delegation extended its congratulations to the Education Adviser on behalf of the Urdu-speaking community. They stated that through his fearless fulfilment of assigned responsibilities, Dr. Abrar has secured a respected place in history. They added that his work will remain exemplary for all future governments, according to a press release from the Ministry of Education.
The delegation shared with the Adviser the various obstacles the Urdu-speaking community faces in accessing education, often due to confusion over their citizenship status. They acknowledged Dr. Abrar’s long-standing role—spanning over two decades—in advocating for the protection of the fundamental human and civic rights of this marginalized group, which they deeply appreciate and honor.
They also highlighted the extremely inhumane living conditions the community has endured in camps for the past 54 years. After independence, the government entered into an agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure the community’s settlement in camps with provisions for electricity and water. While successive governments have continued this arrangement, some regimes attempted to evict camp residents and cut off their electricity and water supply. However, such attempts were halted through administrative/executive orders and judicial interventions.
The delegation expressed grave concern over recent threats of eviction and electricity disconnection by the current administration following the assumption of power by the interim government. In particular, they cited a recent attempt to evict residents from a camp in Mirpur, Dhaka, which was suspended by court order after a writ petition was filed. Similarly, across the country, electricity companies are issuing threats of disconnection and harassing camp residents by invoking a court verdict related to electricity services in camps.
Given the urgency of the situation, the delegation strongly urged the Education Adviser, as a key member of the Advisory Council, to raise the matter in the Council’s meeting.
They also appealed for an administrative or executive order to ensure that no camps are evicted and electricity and water supplies are not disrupted until a dignified and permanent resettlement of the camp residents is secured.
The Education Adviser listened attentively to the delegation and assured them of his continued support, as in the past, in addressing all just, fair, and reasonable demands of the Urdu-speaking community.