Syed Mohammad Kamrul Islam, Chittagong:: Speaking at an event organized by IHRCG Bangladesh on the occasion of the 77th International Human Rights Day, University Vice Chancellor Professor S.M. Nasrul Kadir said that Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 through a great Liberation War. At various times, the people of Bangladesh have experienced violations of independence and human rights. Even 54 years after independence, citizens are still struggling to preserve democratic rights, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and fundamental human rights.
He emphasized that regardless of which government comes to power through the upcoming national parliamentary elections, it must pay greater attention to state reforms. Human rights organizations, he added, must strengthen people-oriented initiatives through better coordination between domestic and international volunteer groups working to protect human rights.
He made these remarks on Tuesday at 10 a.m. while addressing a discussion meeting and certificate distribution ceremony held at the Chattogram City Corporation Conference Hall, organized by IHRCG Bangladesh.
The event was presided over by IHRCG Bangladesh Vice President Md. Amir Hossain Khan.
In his inaugural speech, IHRCG Bangladesh General Secretary Syed Mostafa Alam stated that no organization under the banner of human rights in Bangladesh will be allowed to engage in extortion, illegal occupation, or harassment of the public through misuse of legal procedures. Those involved in such activities must be handed over to law enforcement agencies. He also urged the public to elect a political party in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election that will play a vital role in establishing democracy and safeguarding independence.
Special guest and IHRCG Executive Director Nurul Absar Tawhid called upon honest and competent individuals from all districts to join the leadership of human rights organizations to ensure that human rights advocacy reaches marginalized communities across the country.
The program was jointly moderated by IHRCG Chattogram Divisional Coordinator Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan Samrat, leader Nahida Akhter Naju, and Champa Rani Nandi.
Speakers included: Joint Secretary Main Uddin Ahmad; Women and Child Affairs Secretary Tahera Sharmin; Central Leader Engineer Abu Tayeb; Divisional Leader Md. Abdur Rahim; former Patiya Upazila Vice Chairman and women leader Afroza Begum Joly; OPKAR Executive Director Md. Alamgir; Chattogram North District General Secretary Md. Yunus Talukder; Chattogram South District General Secretary Chowdhury Ohab; Chattogram Metropolitan Committee Joint Coordinator Dr. Jamal Uddin; President of International Islamic University Unit Md. Mosharraf Hossain; Sitakunda Upazila President Md. Muslim Uddin Bhuiyan; Metropolitan Joint Coordinator Javed Chowdhury; women leaders Jannatul Mawa Marufa, Sharmin Sarker, Johra Selim; former Sitakunda Municipality Councillor Masuda Begum; entrepreneur Monira Dilshad Tansi; and others, including Haji Nurul Islam, Tahera Mohoram, Fahmina Alam, Engr. Kazi Mizan, Enam Hossain, Md. Alauddin, Abdul Kader Chowdhury, Md. Yasin, Md. Raju Chowdhury, Towhidul Alam Taludar, Md. Ikram, Ibrahim Lalon, singer S.B. Sumi, Md. Imam Uddin, Md. Azharul Islam Tamim, Shanto Dey, Faizul Haque, Asif Rohan, Md. Yasin Prince, and Tahmina Akhter.
To mark the 77th International Human Rights Day, a cake was cut, and at the conclusion of the event, certificates were distributed to organizational leaders from various levels in recognition of their contributions.
