Feature

A unique research work by RMMRU of Dhaka University

Our 'never-up-to-par' public universities lack resources, both in their curriculum and in regard of finance. As a consequence, research programs, their presentation and publications are somewhat non-existent here. Dhaka University based research unit RMMRU is trying to fill the gap by arranging such opportunities that ensurethe involvement of general students of the university” Dr. C. R. Abrar (Professor, Department of International Relations and coordinator of RMMRU) narrates RMMRU briefly. But such an initiative, full of vision, deserves a little more of portrayal.

The Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU)
The Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) has been functioning as a research, training, and policy advocacy institution since 1996.The primary focus of the Unit's activities is on population movements- migration and displacement- as well as governance issues.

The objectives of RMMRU, according to Dr. Abrar, are first, to anchor the University of Dhaka as the premier resource center on refugee, migration and displacement in South Asia. Second, to aid policy formulation and action through research on different categories of migrants and displaced people and help the process of mainstreaming the interests of these marginalised and vulnerable groups and support their efforts for realisation and implementation of rights. Third, to provide students with the opportunity to participate in research pertaining to displacement and facilitate their higher education on these issues. And lastly, to establish migration and displacement issues as important elements in the contemporary academic discourse and promote their incorporation in the formal curriculum of different universities of South Asia and training institutes.

RMMRU is engaged in activities like-research, training, advocacy and networking. The publications of RMMRU include books, occasional paper series, translation of international documents and a quarterly newsletter, Udbastu (the uprooted). The library of RMMRU has hundreds of books related to population movements, migration and displacement as well as governance issues. RMMRU offers opportunities to students to participate in research works. “The Young Researches' Forum (YRF)” aims to foster academic interest of students on migration and displacement related issues and sharpen their research and analytical skills. Students run the Forum by forming a five-member committee. They identify and develop projects, conduct research, write reports, contribute to the newsletter and present findings of their group research at meetings of YRF. Forum members also participate in national, regional and international conferences and training courses on issues related to migration, security and governance. Selected works of YRF are published as occasional papers.

RMMRU's latest research work
“Accessing Rights as Citizens: The Camp-Dwelling Urdu-speaking Community”

The latest research work undertaken by RMMRU (under the auspices of the Development Research Centres on Migration,

The Camp-Dwelling Urdu-speaking Community”, was a continuation of the two former researches on similar issues and a big stride forward. The presentation of the research findings was made by Ms. Victoria Redclift on 24th March, 2007 in BRAC-center. The designated discussants on the panel who brought forward their views and ideas after listening to the presentation were- Ms. Farida Akter, Director, UBINIG, Mr. Ahmed Illias, Executive Director, Al-fallah Bangladesh, Mr. Finn Ruda, Head of Delegation of ICRC, Dr. Sahdeen Malik, Head of School of Law, BRAC University, Justice Dr. Syed Riffat Ahmed, Bangladesh Supreme Court (Chairperson). Besides, representatives from various organizations, reporters from electronic media and newspapers and students were present.

The convergence of opinion among the panelists and the audience-

Dr. Abrar gave a brief on the present scenario of the status of CDUSC and the research findings in his introductory statement. The briefing was as follows.

In Bangladesh we believe 'Biharis' are those people who migrated from India during 1947 to the then East Pakistan (now independent Bangladesh). The 'Civil Society' refuses to use the name 'Bihari' and prefer to use the word “The Camp-Dwelling Urdu Speaking Community (CDUSC)”. But the positive effect of renaming is scanty or nil. The state authority does not pay enough attention to them on the one hand; on the other they experience total negligence from the NGOs. The CDUSC has to face various obstacles in every step of life where the access to right as citizens is concerned. There is a strong belief that this community wants to go back to Pakistan. But the contradictory reality is that even if any citizen of Bangladesh applies for citizenship of another country, s/he is not supposed to be deprived of citizenship of Bangladesh. The CDUSC should also be treated in a similar way, even if they want Pakistani citizenship.

The research work carried out in various camps of Urdu-speaking people in Dhaka and Saidpur reveals the fact that a growing number of the younger generation of CDUSC now consider themselves to be Bangladeshis. Besides, their eligibility under the laws of citizenship of Bangladesh has been cemented by the pronouncement of the Supreme Court. However, in practice very little has changed for the majority of the community and 'effective' citizenship rights have never been achieved. The research also finds out that current barriers to 'effective' citizenship are lack of shelter, employment, voting rights and security. “Camp address” cited as primary cause of discrimination and prevention of access to these rights; although 79% of the focus group considered 'effective' Bangladeshi citizenship as important in achieving 'rehabilitation', fear of eviction if this achieved generating serious concern; 86% considered integration important to reduce discrimination and achieving 'rehabilitation'; there is a severe lack of awareness/information among community itself and acceptance from Bengali community is crucial for all these. The recommendations suggested were- mobilization of the Community: Information/awareness-raising; public announcement of status: involvement of media and re-integration with dignity.

The initiatives necessary to be taken to ensure the CDUSC's rights as citizens and the sectors where real development needs to take place - were the points the discussants cast light on.

Ms. Farida Akter, Director of UBINIG urged all to mould the 'vigilance of our Liberation War' and give it a new dimension by bringing a positive end to this issue. She also drew attention that the CDUSC has employable skills, a resourceful literature and a rich cultural diversity.

This wealth should be explored and recognized by individuals and media, not to be exploited and forgotten- she opined. Mr. Ahmed Illias drew attention of civil society to the misinformation about the camp-dwellers provided by media (various media reports claim that the camps are safe haven for criminals), their exclusion from the PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers) and their lack of leadership. He noted that the main responsibility lies with the Pakistan

The response from the audience was also encouraging in its scope and grasp. Ms. Shuchi Karim, Assistant Professor, Department of Women and Gender Studies,

Dhaka University was very much realistic in centering her attention to the reality that reintegration of the community without acceptance from the Bengali community would be worthless. The privileged segment of the community has to open up their hearts and minds towards those who are at stake and the new Bengali generation has to be included in the mobilisation and awareness programs, as they have to open up more than anyone else and are more promising to make differences. Md. Hasan, Secretary Genral, Association of Young Generation of Urdu-speaking Community, emphasised the mobilisation of the confused CDUSC about their rights and status.

The chairperson, Justice Dr. Syed Riffat Ahmed, Bangladesh Supreme Court mentioned the finding of the High Court division in May 2003, of the 'Abed Khan Case'. This showed that there is nothing inherently and indeed legally disabling about the concentration of the Urdu speaking people in the so called Geneva camp by which the camp may have attained the special status as to exclude its residents from the benefits of the Electoral Rules Ordinance 1982 and the Citizenship Act of 1951. According to his observation, the study alerts to the fact that today such isolated judicial intervention has a limited output in ensuring 'effective citizenship' if not accompanied by socio-economic rehabilitation and reintegration. He insisted that social-political predisposition to inherited parochial attitudes will have to be altered on our part and this will possibly give way to scrutiny and understanding of an all-encompassing notion of human security. He optimised that the recommendations suggested by the study will have far reaching consequences if implemented.

The seminar was wrapped up with the hopes that the audience got the message that the seminar tried to give and will continue to work in their respective areas to facilitate the ongoing process regarding the issue. Given the issue of 'CDUSC's access to rights as citizens', we can say that for the last few years, the mindset of civil society and most other stakeholders has undergone a change - drastic and dramatic. For the authority that possess the power to make differences, the message the seminar tried to deliver, is that power should be used to attain useful ends- not squandered in outdated pursuits.

Students and professionals, interested to know more about RMMRU can contact:
E-mail: rmmrubj@aitlbd.net.
(The writer is a member of Young Researchers' Forum of RMMRU, DU)