Bēdē (gypsy) and underprivileged communities are considered minority groups in comparison to the total population of Bangladesh. According to the survey of Social Services Department, there are about 14,04,837 (fourteen lakh four  thousand  eight  hundred thirty seven people in the underprivileged communities of our country. Baashfor, Domar, Rawuth, Telegu, Hena, Hari, Laal-beghi, Balliki, Doam, etc are races from the Harijan community. Similarly, Dalit communities consist of races such as: Rishi, Shonnashi, Behara, Dhopa, Haajam, Nikari, Pattni, Teli, Jeley, etc. Gypsies are considered as people from the Bēdē community. They are known as the most neglected, disregarded and mistreated minority groups in our society. There are around 75,702 (seventy  thousand seven hundred two) people in this community, among which 99% are Muslims and around 90% are illiterate. The majority of the Bedes live on snake related trading, such as snake charming, snake catching, snake selling, etc. They also sell lucky heathers, herbal medicines, which they claim have magical properties. Bedes other occupations are in the entertainment services (eg. monkey shows, magic shows) and petty trading. So, it has become increasingly important to ensure the fundamental rights of this marginalized group and improve their living standards. The government has taken necessary steps to improve the living standards of these communities. In the fiscal year 2015-16 the rehabilitation program has been extended all over the country.

Aims and Objectives:

• To provide allowance for incapable and poor who are 50 and above
• To ensure scholarship for the children of Dalit, Harijan, Bēdē (gypsy) communities
• To provide proper Training for improving their skill and efficiency
• To enhance their respect in the society

In the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the pilot program was initiated in 7 districts which included Dhaka, Chittagong, Nowgaon, Dinajpur, Patuakhali, Jessore and Habiganj. Around 66 Lakh Taka was invested. Children above 5 years were also provided with education scholarships. And about 875 students enjoyed the privilege. 2100 incapable, homeless, old-aged people were provided with Taka 300 monthly allowance. Total beneficiaries were 2975 person.

In the  2013-14 fiscal year  in order to improve the living standard of these under-privileged minority groups, around 7 crore 96 Lakh  and 98 thousand Taka is allocated . 14 more districts were included under the development program, which are Munshiganj, Faridpur, Narayanganj, Gopalganj, Barisal, Bhola, Kushtia, Noakhali, Pabna, Tangail, Nilphamari, Comilla, Sherpur and Brahmanbaria respectively. This fund was currently being distributed among 21 districts in training and development of 1050 people. Moreover, 2877 student received education scholarship, 10500 people of this group who are 50 above  received old aged allowance. Total number of beneficiaries  were 14,427.

In the 2014-15 fiscal year in order to improve the living standard of these under-privileged minority groups, around   9 crore 22 Lakh and 94 thousand Taka is allocated . In this year, 10539 people from this minority group received monthly 400 taka old age allowance, 2877 students  received educational scholarship and around 1050 people who were 18 above  received training. After training  10 people from this group per district  got taka 10,000 (ten thousand) taka per head as rehabilitation grant and beneficiaries were  210 people. Total number of beneficiary  were 14,676.

In the 2015-16 fiscal year in order to improve the living standard of these under-privileged minority groups, around   18 crore  Taka was allocated . In this year, 19139 people from this minority group received monthly 400 taka old age allowance, 8526 students received educational scholarship and around 1250 people who are 18 above received  training. After training 50 people from this group per district got taka 10,000 (ten thousand) taka per head as rehabilitation grant and beneficiaries were 1250 people. Total number of beneficiary were 30165.

In the 2016-17 fiscal year in order to improve the living standard of these under-privileged minority groups, around   20 crore 68 Lac 72 thousand taka was allocated . In this year, 19300 people from this minority group received monthly 400 taka old age allowance, 8585 students received educational scholarship and around 1250 people who are 18 above received  training. After training 50 people from this group per district got taka 10,000 (ten thousand) taka per head as rehabilitation grant and beneficiaries were 1250 people. Total number of beneficiary were 30385.