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Organised by Research Initiatives Bangladesh (RIB) at a city hotel, the seminar presented findings from a research project titled “Hazardous Sanitation Labour: Connecting the Past, Present and Future of Manual Scavenging in Bangladesh”.

Presenting the keynote, Ruhi Naz, programme manager at RIB, said sanitation workers -- particularly from the Harijan community -- are routinely exposed to life-threatening conditions, including toxic gases, lack of protective equipment, and unsafe entry into septic tanks and sewer systems.

These risks are worsened by limited access to healthcare, social protection, and alternative livelihood opportunities, she said.

The study examines the lived realities of manual scavengers in Satkhira, Khulna, Rangpur, and Nilphamari, showing how colonial legacies, infrastructure systems, and deep-rooted discrimination continue to shape their lives.

It identifies housing insecurity, health risks, educational barriers, job insecurity, and family well-being as major challenges.

According to the findings, community members demand dignity and equal citizenship rather than just material support.

They also seek permanent housing, secure land ownership, and protection from forced eviction. Many young people want alternative, dignified livelihoods, although government jobs remain the most stable option.

Antar Bhaskar, a member of the Harijan community, highlighted severe housing problems across the country, saying many families live in overcrowded and unsafe conditions with poor sanitation and limited facilities.

He noted that despite cleaning cities, they live in unhealthy environments and often face sudden eviction from government land without rehabilitation.

Sanjay Bhaskar from Rangpur called for mainstream recognition of the Harijan community, saying there is significant untapped talent in education, sports, and other sectors, but a lack of opportunities holds them back.

Uttam Kumar Bhakta, president of the Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement, said wage discrimination remains a major issue. Salaries vary widely -- around Tk 24,000 per month in Dhaka, compared to about Tk 2,400 in Rangpur and as low as Tk 1,200 in Srimangal.

He called for a standardised pay scale and better benefits.

Bijon Kanti Sarker, special assistant to the prime minister, mentioned corrupt practices such as ghost labour in DCC and urged the Harijan community to move beyond traditional practices and adapt to changing demands.

Sanjida Islam Tulee, a reserved-seat lawmaker, said internal conflict within the community is also a challenge.

She assured that she would raise the issue of improving the lives of Harijans with the prime minister.

Dr Sally Cawood, lecturer of economic geography at Lancaster University, stressed the need for a holistic approach to improve the lives of Harijan people.

The session was chaired by Prof MM Akash, a board member of RIB.

Hameeda Hussain, vice-chairperson of RIB; Afsana Binte Amin of NETZ Bangladesh; Kartik Ram Rauth of Harijan Oikyo Porishad, Khulna; and Dalit rights activist Kailash Chandro Rabidas also spoke.