Harijans of Bangladesh

The Harijans are an occupational group or community who are considered as the fifth category outside four Varnas in the Hindu Casteism. They had been brought to their current locations from different parts of India during the British colonial rule. They traditionally work as ‘sweepers’ or cleaners under the city corporations and municipalities of Bangladesh. To date the Harijans face severe social discrimination and many treat them as ‘untouchables’.  They are often termed as methor to belittle and disrespect their occupation of cleaning garbage and dirt. On top of social discrimination, they face severe economic exploitation. Even the young educated Harijans cannot enter new occupations because of their identity. 

This monograph presents findings of a study of Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) on demographic and socio-economic conditions of the community, which is a valuable addition to the academic and public discourse on social exclusion of the Harijans in Bangladesh.