The processionists paraded streets of the upazila headquarters and formed a long human chain on both sides of Khulna-Paikgachha road.

Later, they submitted memorandums to all the 12 Union Parishad (UP) chairmen through the Tala Upazila Nirbahi Officer to press home their demands.

The demands include implementation of Section 27 and 28 of the Constitution, separate ministry and allocation of funds for their development, reserved seats in local government body, representation in the steering committees in UPs so that they can take part in the development activities, vulnerable group feeding (VGF) cards, allotment of government lands and birth registration right.

The programmes were otganised by a local NGO, Paritran, run by Harijans(low caste Hindus who mostly work as cleaners and cobblers). The rally was held on Shilpakala Academy premises with Paritran President Udoy Kumar Das in the chair. Upazila Social Welfare Officer Rafiqul Islam was the chief guest.

Speakers at the rally alleged that Harijans are facing discrimination in society and are deprived of rights ensured by the Constitution.

"We are fighting to ensure our basic rights for more than a century but we are yet to get those", said Paritran Executive Director Milon Das.

"Now we want education for our children. Education is becoming popular in the community day by day but facilities are very limited," said Debala Rani, a housewife from the community.

"Many of us are struggling for education, but all schools in our areas do not allow our children", she alleged.

They also demanded a separate ministry and separate budgetary allocations for development of the community and ensure equal rights in the society.

People of the community want to change in their life. But this is not easy for them because of social discrimination and lack of government response, they said and called upon the government to enact laws to ensure their rights.

They also called upon all sections of people in society to come forward to guarantee equal social rights for the Harijns.