
Shudha
Helping the 'Untouchables' of Bangladesh
The Dalits were once known as "the untouchables" in many parts of South Asia are among the most underprivileged and discriminated against community in Bangladesh.
Shudha provides free a school for children, sewing classes, and adult education classes to the Dalit community in its efforts to tackle their plight.
Most Dalits live in poor quality housing and are confined to menial jobs such as road sweepers, sewage workers and corpse bearers. The Dalit community are relegated to living in the most impoverished colonies around Dhaka, without a hope of getting out. Landlords will not rent to Dalits. Younger Dalits who have managed to educate themselves are overlooked by employers.
Although efforts have been made to outlaw the ‘caste system’ old attitudes remain and discrimination against the Dalit community makes them among the most oppressed people in Bangladesh.

