Human Rights Day on Tuesday

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Bangla Tribune Desk
Published : 19:09, Dec 09, 2019 | Updated : 20:34, Dec 09, 2019

The Human Rights Day will be observed on Thursday (Dec 10) in the country like elsewhere in the world marking the 71st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec 10 in 1948. Different organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day, reports BSS.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day and wished success of all the programmes.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said the Constitution of Bangladesh ensures all internationally recognised human rights.
The government constituted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2009 aiming at protecting the rights of all and ensuring the human rights at all levels, he said, adding that as an independent and neutral body, the NHRC is playing an active role in protecting human rights.
Bangladesh has earned appreciation in international arena in protecting human rights by providing shelter to a huge number of forcefully displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar on humanitarian grounds, Abdul Hamid said.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was conferred with the prestigious title ‘Mother of Humanity’ in recognition of her unique leadership of humanity and responsibility in sheltering Rohingyas.
In 2018, Bangladesh was elected a member of UN Human Rights Council, the President said. “I think it was an international recognition to Bangladesh’s efforts of protecting human rights in the country.”
The President hoped that all concerned and government and non-government institutions, including the NHRC, will continue efforts to raise awareness about human rights and ensure a smooth way of getting justice for the victims in case of violations of human rights.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said human rights and fundamental freedoms are the core values that Bangladesh stands for.
“Our commitment to human rights is aptly reflected in the maiden speech of Bangladesh to the United Nations General Assembly, where Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman stated ‘The very struggle of Bangladesh symbolised the universal struggle for peace and justice,” she said.
The premier said her government has prioritised human rights, especially by creating opportunities for all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, color, religion and caste.
“We have invested in human development to improve the quality of lives of our people and thus better enjoy of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and freedoms to realise our overarching goal for equality, human dignity and social justice,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh, as a responsible member of international community, also maintains a strong bond of cooperation and collaboration with the international partners including the United Nations and its human rights mechanism.
Noting that Bangladesh has been actively contributing towards the promotion and protection of human rights for all, she said: “We are hosting over one million persecuted Rohingyas from Myanmar in Bangladesh and lead the humanitarian response for them.”
The prime minister said Bangladesh continues to urge the international community to work towards ensuring the fundamental human rights of the Rohingyas including their right to return to their homeland, self-identification and other basic human rights and their right to seek justice.
Bangladesh renews its firm commitment to stand by the United Nations and the international community in their efforts towards building a future-based on shared values of equality and human dignity, she added.

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