Page 127 - English Reader - 7

“As a result,” he said, “the vast majority of Biharis are pushed into the
informal sector, working as rickshaw-pullers, drivers, butchers, barbers,

mechanics and craft workers”.

A group of Biharis, including Hussain, did achieve a historic breakthrough

in 2003 when they challenged the election commission’s refusal to
include them on the voter listing. The Bangladeshi High Court ruled

that the people in the camps “are Bangladeshi”.

Despite that advance, Hussain believes the situation of the Biharis has

worsened. “Intolerance on the part of mainstream civil society has
increased. There has been very little interest amongst the mainstream

human rights organizations, legal aid bodies or women and children’s
organizations…Voices need to be raised,” he said.

Hussain concluded by talking of tolerance and appealing for a change
of attitude which would reduce the discrimination endured by his

community.

“I trust,” he said, “that one day we will see a world free of racism, racial
discrimination and intolerance.”

Glossary

disadvantaged : lacking the standard of living conditions and
facilities
regard : consider, respect
partition : division of a country into separate countries
or parts
intolerance : refusal of ideas or beliefs that are different
from your own
appeal : to request a mass or the public
endure : to experience or bear something difficult

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