Speaking on the occasion, William Gois, coordinator of MFA, said, “The virus has made us realise that societies engage in ‘othering’ based on immigration status, faith, gender and class but at the end of the day, we’re all human beings.”
BCSM Chair CR Abrar said in the developed world, the number of deaths among immigrant health professionals is disproportionately high during this crisis. “This only reflects the systemic discrimination against the migrants.”
Syed Saiful Huq, co-chair of BCSM, demanded immediate increase in medical capacities to offset the tragic deaths.
Tasneem Siddiqui of RMMRU urged all not to disrespect religion by depriving the dead by refusing their last bath or denying them khatias. “By now it’s well established that dead persons can’t spread the virus,” she said.
A large number Bangladeshi diaspora in other countries and migrant support organisations in Asia participated in the campaign at 9am in their time zones.
Seven member organisations of Bangkok-based regional human rights body Forum-Asia, nineteen member organisations of BCSM, including WARBE DF, RMMRU, BOMSA, MJF, ASK, BASUG, IMA Research Foundation, INAFI, BCWWF, YPSA, BOAF, Bastob, Rights Jessore, DEVCOM, Films 4 Peace Foundation, Change Makers and about 300 NGOs and CSOs working in different parts of the country took part in the campaign.