A Study of Social Justice and development of Rajwar in Barind region

Abstract

A study of social justice and development of Rajwar in Barind region concerns social justice and development of Rajwar in Bangladesh. The Rajwar are an ethnic community who mainly live in the North–West region of Bangladesh. This proposed research examines the inequalities towards the Rajwar that lead to their exclusion and marginalization. The research will portrayed the process of marginalization and socio- economic alienation of the Rajwar and how it is structured by their present economic condition. The literature the Rajwar community shows that they had a prosperous life before colonization in 1765.They were self sufficient in livelihood as agriculturalists ,soldiers(Buchanan) and forest food gatherers. However, their livelihood activities were interrupted by the Hindu, Muslim and British administrators in India. The Rajwar were taken away from Bihar and Chota Nagpur in India and were settled in Bangladesh by the British India Government(1765-1947).Over time, different socio-political factors ,including the partition of Bengal in 1947, the abolition of the zamindary (land tenancy) act in 1951,economic differentiation and the communal war between India-Pakistan in 1965 and the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, have caused economic deterioration among the Rajwars. This study reveals that almost all of the Rajwar are landless agricultural day laborers and less than self- sufficient in terms of livelihood. Their socio –cultural practices contribute to understanding of their domestic moral economy. They sell their physical labour to rich Bengali Hindu and Muslim peasants. The proposed study focuses on the exclusion and marginalization of Rajwar in Bangladesh and this problem will be looked at in terms of the cultural contrasts that are employed to organise and form identity, social stigma, exclusion and interaction. This research demonstrates a relationship between different inequalities and exclusion in the case of Rajwars. Significantly, this study explores peoples’ choice and interests in shaping their livelihood and survival strategies. In exploring the problems of indignity in Bangladesh and demonstrates the importance of devising policies for the ethnic communities of plain regions such as Barindas most development programmes in our country based only on the ethnic groups of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The economic condition of the Rajwars in Barind has changed over time. Yet while they have discontinued many aspects of their earlier cultural life, they continue to practice some socio-cultural features that present them as a distinct group of people. Additionally, the changing economic condition of the Rajwars, as well as their socio-economic interactions with the dominant Bengali peasants in Barind, helps constitute their identity. My study, exploring the problems of indignity in Bangladesh, provides a" resource for the Bangladeshi nationals who wish to build a modern nation-state. My study urges that attention be given to policies for the ethnic communities, including the Rajwars in the Barind region. The governments of Bangladesh along with concerned international parties should take steps to resolve the problems of the Rajwars along with other ethnic community groups in Barind. The ethnic communities of the Barind region are not well known to the international community. Policies should be devised to solve their problems, aiming to ensure their equal participation in mainstream Bangladeshi society. The Bangladeshi Governments and the international community need to extend humanitarian services, including security, justice and good governance to eliminate exploitation, reduce poverty and enhance the wellbeing of the Rajwars and other ethnic minority groups in the plains regions, such as Barind. However, the ethnic peoples had expected a better life after the independence of Bangladesh. The ethnic minorities of the Barind region potentially could obtain a better life through well crafted welfare programs. These programs could resolve their long endured vulnerability, which in their turn are essential for maintaining unity and solidarity among the citizens, irrespective of ethnic affiliation and vital for ensuring that Bangladesh remains united. Ethnic violence and ethnic movements are among the main reasons behind the collapse or failure of a state. Social policy can enhance solidarity among its citizens and neighbors. Thus, I argue that a state can receive returns in terms of loyalty by providing services to its population through a proper social policy.