Racial Discrimination in Bangladesh: An Analysis of the Implementation of ICERD and National Laws in the Elimination of Racism

Abstract

The right to live without being discriminated is regarded as a significant human right. Racism is one of the oldest problems and still emerging one in this world that discriminates against and violates people’s most important human rights. In simple words, if a person is treated badly, harassed, bullied, humiliated or disadvantaged based on his race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin it is called racism or racial discrimination. However, from time to time many laws, treaties, and conventions have identified, defined & discussed Racial Discrimination and its elimination but it still exists as one of the major problems of today’s world. Bangladesh is no different from this list of countries where people are facing racism. Every state has a responsibility to ensure the enforcement of this human right and to take steps that will reflect international obligations. The object of this paper is to identify how much racism exists in Bangladesh and what laws have been enunciated so far whether national or international. Moreover, this paper will identify the loopholes of the existing legal provisions and whether they reflect the international obligation of ensuring human rights regarding decreasing the rate of Racism in Bangladesh. To be specific this research will analyze the application of ICERD in Bangladesh, as well as the coherence between ICERD and our constitution.