They said although different conventions and documents have laid emphasis on the promotion and protection of the rights of the people who are HIV/AIDS positive, they still face social discrimination.

The speakers said mass media could play an important role to sensitise the society in this regard so that PLHAs could live in the society like others and contribute their best.

The workshop titled 'Role of media personnel in promoting human rights' was organised by Peace and Rights Development of Society (PRDS) in collaboration with the Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (Kafco) at the Biam auditorium in the city.

Presenting a study conducted on 35 PLHAs last year, Prof ASM Amanullah of Dhaka University said they experience tremendous discrimination from doctors, healthcare providers and NGOs working with HIV positive people.

"They have no pre-test and post-test counselling and are refused from government hospitals," he added.

He said in many cases the PLHAs have lost their employment and they are also neglected in their workplaces.

Prof Amanullah said the PLHAs also face rejection in renting house, getting loan, running business, attending any social function or even staying in a joint family.

Especially the women who are HIV/ AIDS positive have to bear much problems including sexual harassment, divorce and loss of property, he said.

Dr Munir Ahmed of Care Bangladesh said HIV/ AIDS is a lifestyle-based disease where the vulnerability increases owing to people's living a careless life.

"So it should be treated like other diseases and there are many PLHAs in the world who have been surviving and working since 13-14 years by living controlled lives," he added.

Information Secretary M Hyder Ali was present as chief guest at the workshop presided over by Chairman of PIACT Bangladesh Abu Yusuf Chowdhury.

Mostofa Kamal Majumder, editor of the New Nation, HM Zakir Ahmed and Dr Mustafa Kamal of PRDS, Dr Kazi Belayet Ali of Save the Children USA and Mizanur Rahman of STI/AIDS Networks of Bangladesh were also present.