Bangladesh

Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh (CRS Report for Congress)

Administrator — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:12:00 GMT

Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh (CRS Report for Congress)
Bruce Vaughn, Specialist in Southeast and South Asian Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade

Summary

There is concern among observers that the secular underpinnings of moderate Bangladesh are being undermined by a culture of political violence and the rise of Islamist extremists. A further deterioration of Bangladesh’s democracy and political stability may create additional space within which Islamist militants may be increasingly free to operate. Such a development may have destabilizing implications for Bangladesh, South Asia, and the Islamic world. They also have the potential to undermine U.S. interests. See CRS Report RL33646, Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations, by Bruce Vaughn, for additional information.

Recent Developments

Some analysts believe the as yet unscheduled 2007 election in Bangladesh will at least in part be a referendum on the Bangladesh National Party’s (BNP) government and the opposition Awami League’s (AL) competing visions for Bangladesh. The roughly even political split between the BNP and the AL has given small Islamist parties a political voice isproportionate with their overall electoral support in the country. The BNP, by ruling in coalition with Islamist parties, has demonstrated its willingness to work with radical Islamists, while the AL has traditionally been critical of their activities. The Islamists’ position within the government has also given them a new source of litimacy.1 The AL’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the fundamentalist Khelaphat-e-Majlis party in December 2006 further indicates the rising power of small Islamist parties.2 The United States and Britain are concerned over the rise of Islamist influence and militancy in Bangladesh. The U.S. Department of State Country Reports on Terrorism released in April 2006 observed that Bangladesh experienced an increase in terrorist activity. This included the emergence of the Jamaat ul-Mujahideen (JMB), a group that promotes a fundamentalist vision for Bangladesh. While pointing to “limited success” by the government, the report explained that “endemic corruption ... porous borders,” and “the government’s serious institutional, resource, and political constraints” all “undermine the government’s broader counter terrorism posture.”3 Former U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh William Milam is reported to have stated, “I fear that Bangladesh might revert to its pre-1991 condition in which even the peaceful transfer of power after credible elections was not possible,” adding, “This impasse has serious implications not only for Bangladesh but also for the South Asian region and the Islamic world.”4 Britain’s High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, who was himself almost assassinated by extremists in 2004, is reported to have stated that there is “serous potential” for radical Islam to take hold in Bangladesh and that this would “change the geopolitics of our engagement with Islam and our efforts in countering terrorism.”

Read full pdf version- Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh (CRS Report for Congress)

Source: http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/80248.pdf

The Torture of Tasneem Khalil, How the Bangladesh Military Abuses Its Power under the State of Emergency.

Administrator — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:21:00 GMT

This report presents the testimony of Tasneem Khalil, recounting his torture at the hands of Bangladesh’s military intelligence agency, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). To our knowledge, this is the most detailed public account of a case of torture in Bangladesh available anywhere. It demonstrates the nature of ongoing state-sponsored violence in Bangladesh, including the torture of critics of the current government.

Read the complete report (pdf) at The Torture of Tasneem Khalil, How the Bangladesh Military Abuses Its Power under the State of Emergency.

Bangladesh has been under a state of emergency for more than a year, led by an interim government that was not elected and claims to be reform-minded. The current government, appointed in January 2007, replaced a previous caretaker government. It aims to remain in power pending national elections scheduled for 2008, though no specific date has been set yet.

Although it was installed by the army and Bangladesh has a long history of coups and abusive military regimes, the interim government was welcomed by many Bangladeshis and international observers when it was formed in January 2007 as a necessary antidote to massive corruption, widespread abuse of power, and a sense that the political process was failing to offer even the possibility of good governance.

What happened to Tasneem Khalil – which, sadly, is not uncommon – makes clear that when it comes to human rights a critical part of what was promised is not being fulfilled. After one year, the state of emergency not only remains in place but is being used to limit political party activity and restrict freedom of expression and assembly, with torture a frequent consequence for those who do not toe the line and end up in the custody of the security services.

Increased domestic and international pressure to end such abuses cannot await elections or formation of a new government. The fundamental rights set out in the Constitution should be immediately restored and respected. Ending illegal arrests and torture should not await an election. These should be a top priority of the interim government. Those members of the security forces who have been responsible for such egregious human rights violations should be brought to justice.

Read complete HTML version of the report at http://hrw.org/reports/2008/bangladesh0208/index.htm

HRCBM-DFW Executive Committee (2008-2009)

Administrator — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:36:00 GMT

On behalf of the outgoing Executive Committee I would like to convey congratulations to the Newly Elected Executive Committee (EC) of HRCBM-DFW 2008-2009 term from the deep reaches of our hearts. Our New EC comprise of the following Executives.

HRCBM – DFW Executive Committee (2008-2009)
Designation	Name
President	Asish Bhattacharjee
Vice President	Smriti Goswami
Vice President	Sraboni Saha
General Secretary	Suhash Sarker
Treasurer	Jahor Roy
Joint Secretary	Ashim Saha
Joint Secretary	Amar Chowdhury
Public Relations Officer	Prodip Saha
Publications Secretary	Sowvik Chakrabarty
Organizing Secretary	Prodip Dutta
Distinguished Member	Ajit Roy
Member at Large	Shimul Saha
Member at Large	Kalpana Roy
Member at Large	Priyotosh Nath
Member at Large	Jayanta Rudra
Member at Large	Ranu Baidya
Member at Large	Biplob Sarkar

Because of your active participation and support, HRCBM and HRCBM-DFW were able to play vital roles in protecting life and liberty of, procuring justice for, and upholding dignity of the minorities of Bangladesh.

On behalf of the Outgoing EC, we promise our whole-hearted support for success in all aspects of national and international activities of HRCBM.

We convey gratefulness to each and everyone members who attended today and those who could not attend because of personal reasons. We are humbled by your trust in us!

We convey our special thanks and gratefulness to Dr. Anil Sircar, our beloved Mesomoshay, for this presence, active participation and support.

Together, We Shall Stand Upright and Tall!

Congratulations!

Ajit Roy
On Behalf of the Outgoing Eexutive Committee,
HRCBM-DFW

Idol of Hindu God Basudev destroyed in Bianibazar after failed attempt to steal the idol. Police negligence alleged.

Administrator — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:37:00 GMT

Idol of Hindu God Basudev destroyed in Bianibazar after failed attempt to steal the idol. Police negligence alleged.

Read the story in Bengali-

Source: http://www.ittefaq.com/content/2008/01/20/news0063.htm

Press Release: HRCBM-UK Chapter Formed

Administrator — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:38:00 GMT

Dateline: Jan 19, 2008

A new committee of HRCBM-UK has been formed. Enclosed please find the details about HRCBM-UK chapter and please join us welcoming the new committee members.

-- Dhiman Chowdhury, President, HRCBM.

Human Right Congress Bangladesh Minorities UK Chapter

(An NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economical and Social Council of the United Nations)

7a Cowper Road
Leeds, LS9 7AP, England
Mobile: +44 07872665909
Fax: +44 0113 249 65 69
E-mail: hrcbmuk@gmail.com

Chairman : Mr.Gopi Roy
Treasurer : Mr. Rubel Roy, Mr. Uthpal Mazumdar
Secretary : Mr. Sujith Kumar Chowdhury ( Leeds)
Regional Secretary : Mr. Amar Baiyda ( Bradford), Mrs. Soma Das ( Birmingham), Mr. Samir Das ( London), Mr.Swajan Dhar ( Doncaster)

Excutive Member : Mrs. Helen Das, Mrs. Ruma Roy, Mr.Nilue Roy, Mr. Joy Das, Mrs. Shilpi Chowdhury, Mrs. Sonali Poddar. Mr. Avijit Das. Mrs. Dipa Dhar, Mr. Suman Chowdhury, Mr. Prasenjit Das, Dr. Das

Adviser: Mr. M C Dey (Bradford), Mr. T K Chanda (Birmingham), Mr. Sudhir Chandra Das.

Legal Advisers: Mr.PhillipBarber (Barrister), ZenithChamber, Leeds

Accountants:
Mr.Satish Shah
Ashfords
1378 Leeds RD, Bradford, UK

Bangladesh- National Human Rights Commission

Administrator — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:24:00 GMT

National Human Rights Commission sees the light of the day

Sultana Razia

Photo: UDHR.org

This year before the Human Rights Day the council of advisers approved the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2007. The cabinet approved the ordinance to set up the long-awaited National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which will work like a national human rights watchdog. This NHRC was in the top priority of the successive political governments for long, to ensure that any rights violator is brought to justice. This NHRC can investigate human rights violations but is empowered to only settle issues or refer them to the court. This ordinance was passed when the state of emergency is going on.

Composition of the NHRC
The selection committee will be headed by an appellate division justice, to be nominated by the chief justice, and will include the cabinet secretary, attorney general, comptroller and auditor general, chairman of the public service commission, and law secretary as members.

The chairman and members of the human rights commission will be appointed for three-year tenures and for no more than two consecutive terms, according to the proposal. Their age limit will be between 50 and 72.

The chairman must have outstanding contributions made in protection of human rights, welfare of the humanity, and social work. One of the members will be either a serving or a retired judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

Function of the NHRC
The functions of the commission will include investigating any allegation of human rights violation received from any individual or quarter, or the commission itself can initiate investigation into any incident of rights violation. The commission would be empowered to investigate particular human rights violation allegations brought forward by citizens or discovered through their own monitoring. If a human rights violation has been proved, the NHRC can either settle the matter or pass it on to the court or relevant authorities.

Background
In late 1994 the process of establishing this institutions was initiated. The Institutional Development of Human rights in Bangladesh (IDHRB) project was formally launched in 1995. The work of drafting a law was continued during 1996-2001 under Awami League government. Later BNP-led alliance government on December 10, 2001 formed the committee headed by the law minister to examine the prospect of setting up of the commission. They proposed to enact a comprehensive law on the protection of human rights instead of legislating a bill for instituting a National Human Rights Commission only. After a series of meetings on January 23, 2003 committee finalised the draft and sent it to the Cabinet Division. Since then, the bill has not been placed before the cabinet meeting.

In an international conference in 2004, the former law minister informed that difference of opinion among the ministers was delaying the constitution of the institution. In the previous tenure of Awami League, their law minister was also promised to establish the institution during their tenure.

The draft bill stipulated a five-member commission led by a retired judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, which must have one-woman member. The commission is supposed to investigate any human rights violation and recommend actions. It could probe any such incidents by the defence forces. The human rights commission was also a demand of the international donors who thought good governance critically depends on the rule of law. The process has been continuing for last the 12 years. May be the first country in world that is taking this long time to establish an effective institution. The non-governmental organisations and the civil society who were critical about the progress of this institution are also keeping their views confined in seminars and meetings with the international organisations. After coming to office on January 11, 2007, the present council of advisors pledged to establish the commission to honour and institute human rights in the country. Foreign ministry placed a draft to this effect before the council of advisers on September 8. The council in principle approved the draft and asked a seven-member committee headed by the law secretary to finalise the draft proposal and resubmit it in the shortest possible time for its consideration. The law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry accordingly submitted the revised proposal, which the council of advisers approved on December 09, 2007.

UN approach
The establishment of a National Human Rights Commission consistent with the Paris Principles relating to the status of National Human Rights Institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights could have served as an effective mechanism to address gross and systematic human rights violations.

The concept of national human rights commission/institution is, however, very more specific--referring as it does to a body whose functions are specifically defined in terms of promotion and protection of human rights. The national institutions considered here are all administrative in nature--in the sense that they are neither judicial nor law making. As a rule, these institutions have on-going, advisory authority in respect human rights at the national and/or international level. Their purposes are pursued either in a general way, through opinions and recommendations, or through the consideration and resolution of complaints submitted by individuals or groups.

From the experience of the various national human rights commissions United Nations realised that no single model of national institution can, or should, be recommended as the appropriate mechanism for all countries to fulfil their international human rights obligations. Although each nation can benefit from the experience of others, national institutions must be developed taking into account local, cultural and human rights orientation of that region and legal traditions as well as existing political organisation.

The role of national governments in the realisation of human rights is particularly important. Human rights involve relationships among individuals, and between individuals and the State. Therefore, the practical task of protecting and promoting human rights is primarily a national one, for which each State must be responsible. At the national level, rights can be best protected through adequate legislation, an independent judiciary, the enactment and enforcement of individual safeguards and remedies, and the establishment of democratic institutions. In addition, the most effective education and information campaigns are likely to be those which are designed and carried out at the national or local level and which take the local cultural and traditional context into account.

Concluding remark
National human rights commission will be the uppermost domestic mechanism and can contribute a remarkable role in UN mechanism. We hope this long waited commission can raise voice against the human rights violations and force the state to be more accountable and comply with the international norms and standards. This establishing a NHRC is not only a moment for celebration and self-congratulation but is also a very crucial time with challenge--the challenge of making rights real, of closing the gap between the promise of the Universal Declaration and the performance of government and other actors to uphold human rights in Bangladesh.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/law/2007/12/03/index.htm

A Letter to Editor (The Hindu) on Taslima Nasreen

Administrator — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 05:30:00 GMT

I just sent the following letter to The Hindu. I urge all like minded people
to do so by modifying the letter suitably and send to: thehindu@vsnl.com
Thanks.
========================================================================
Sir,
This is in response to West Bengal state assembly speaker Mr. Halim's comments regarding the recent Ms. Taslima Nasreen controversy ('Halim: Taslima can't hurt others sentiments',
The Hindu, December 22, 2007). The communists are at the best of their hypocricy now to keep their vote-bank politics going by pandering to the minority fundamentalism. If Mr. Halim is so sensitive about the sentiments of others then why didn't he criticise M. F. Hussain's paintings of Hindu Goddesses? If Mr. Halim, hailing from an avowed atheist party, is so
sympathetic toward others' sentiments, then would he stand up and defend the Hindu organisations who feel offended by the Christian evangelists' attempts to converts poor hindus under financial allurements and inducements? One can recall the near hysterical reactions of our 'secular' CPM public figures just a few years ago when Bajrang Dal and VHP protested
against the shooting of the movie 'The Water' in Varanasi depicting the sorry state of condition of some Hindu widows. These 'secular' characters were out on the street at that time to defend the film director's freedom of expression and creativity. How come Mr. Halim is now suffering from that selective amnesia?

Yours truly,
Partha Roy
Jadavpur, Kolkata 32
=======================================================================

Press Release: New Executive Committee of HRCBM-Bangladesh National Chapter

Administrator — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:12:00 GMT

Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM)
P.O. Box 5493, Santa Clara, CA 95056-5493
Tel: (212) 592-3627, Fax: (212) 202-7683
Email: info@hrcbm.org or Human.Rights@hrcbmdfw.org
Web: http://www.hrcbm.org or http://www.hrcbmdfw.org

HRCBM PRESS RELEASE (read pdf version)

Date: December 22, 2007

A 33-member Executive Committee of the Bangladesh National Chapter of the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM-Bangladesh) was constituted at an assembly held on the premises of Swami Bholanandagiri Ashram Trust at 12 KM Das Lane, Tikatuly, Dhaka recently.

Dr Ajoy K Roy, a retired professor of Dhaka University, and Mr. Rabindranath Trivedi, a former additional secretary of Bangladesh government and and ex- Press Secretary to the President of Bangladesh, were elected unanimously as President and Secretary General of HRCBM-Bangladesh National Chapter (HRCBM-Bangladesh NC), respectively, at the meeting chaired by Professor Ajoy K Roy. The Executive Committee is comprised of retired government officials, university professors, advocates, philanthropists, former ambassador, leaders of Hindu, Baidya (Buddhist), Christian and Adibashi (Indigenous People) communities, journalist, and businessmen.

At first meeting of the Executive Committee on December 10, 2007 at 12 K M Das Lane, Tikatuli, Dhaka-1203, Professor Ajoy Roy, (President, HRCBM-Bangladesh NC) stressed the need of formation of Bangladesh Chapter of HRCBM tracing the historical development of HRCBM USA in 2001 primarily to protect the rights and uphold the cause of Bangladesh minorities. He emphatically declare that – To-day, the 10th December, is the World Human Rights Day, so we have to say straight to the Government as well to the World community of Nations that we, the Minorities of this part of the world now constituting Bangladesh, have been the victim of persecution, physically, mentally and materially since the division of the Indian Subcontinent in 1947 and exposed to many discriminatory laws and constitutional amendments in which our fundamental rights have been constrained and marginalized. We, on this auspicious day, very sadly remember betrayals of many commitments from political parties & leaders and governments as well.

We resolve on this World Human Rights Day, 2007 that:

Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM), is formed with a mission to strengthen our people called minorities who are placed in a disadvantageous position economically, administratively, socially and politically; our mission is to blend human rights advocacy with humanitarian services and sustainable development; so that minorities in Bangladesh may prosper in free and fair atmosphere and may make full contribution towards national development, international peace and cooperation in keeping with the progressive aspirations of the mankind.

We the members of HRCBM, a human rights organization, an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, have no other aspiration or interest, political or any sort.

We will continue to oppose all sorts of discrimination and inequity, and selective application of law on the basis of religion, caste creed and sex including 8th amendment of Bangladesh Constitution and Vested Property Act and other statutes that discriminate Bangladesh minorities.

We will oppose unlawful, fraudulent and intentional lease of Debottor Properties, Cremation Sites, Religious Institutions of minorities, grabbing of minority properties and lands with special reference to lands of indigenous people and settlement of non-locals in Chittagong Hill Tracks that directly violates the judgment in the Higher Court of Bangladesh; We will continue to support for materialization of CHT Peace Accord, and uphold principles of equity, natural justice and fundamental human rights.

We extend our congratulation on the Caretaker Government led by Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed that the council of advisers approved the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2007 very recently, a few hours before World Human Rights Day today. The cabinet, at its weekly meeting, approved the ordinance to set up the long-awaited National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which can investigate human rights violations but is empowered to only settle issues or refer them to the court.

However, we noted with dismay and despair that there is no provision for members belonging to various minority groups (religious and ethnic) and women.

We demand, loud and clear, to the government for adequate minority representation (not less than two) in the proposed National Human Rights Commission.

We demand a special chapter dealing with minority human rights issues be included with adequate representation of minority communities with full status of commission members. A similar chapter dealing with rights of women and children also be constituted within the frame of national human rights commission. If this is not done a demand may arise for the constitution of a separate and independent separate Minority Rights Commission (like Justice Sachar Commission in India). There have been some reports in the daily newspapers that the US House of Representatives has expressed concern over human rights violations in Bangladesh and is said to have requested their country's foreign office to investigate the violations.

We note with concern that the US House of Representatives (according to press reports) has expressed concern over human rights violations in Bangladesh and is said to have requested their country's foreign office to investigate the violations. It is also reported that the representatives have requested the US President to take punitive actions against Bangladesh. We appeal to the government to take stern measures against those who indulge in minority persecution of any sort.

The other office bearers of the newly Elected Executive Council of HRCBM-Bangladesh NC are:
Vice- Presidents: Brig Gen (Retd) Jayanta Kumar Sen, Mr. NG Paul (Retd. Addl. Sec), Mr. P.R. Barua (Retd. DIG, Police), Mr. Chitta Ranjan Sarkar (President, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad), Mr. Satya Ranjan Barai (Retd. Addl. DIG, Police), Prof. P. B. Chakma (Dhaka University), Adv. Subrata Chowdhury (Supreme Court), Mr. Sanjib Drong (Gen. Sec., Adibashi Forum), Bishop Michael Baroi (Bishop Church of Bangladesh) and Mr. S.S. Chakma (Erstwhile Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal), Chief Coordinator: Mr. B.N. Chowdhury (Trustee, Swami Bholanandagiri Ashram Trust), Treasurer: Mr. Ramesh Chandra Ghosh (Proprietor, M/S. Shymali Paribhahan), Additional Treasurer: Manindra Kumar Nath (Exec. VP, Mercantile Bank), Additional Secretary General: Prof Ashok Taru Saha and Mr. Debashish Nag (Retd. Deputy Sec.), Secretaries: Mr. Dipak Kumar Saha (Retd. Addl. Sec.), Mr. Gopal Chandra Sen (Retd. Divisional Chief, Planning Commission), Shrimati Rakhi (Bhadra) Dasgupta (Director, Dhaka Bank), Mr. Anish Kumar Sarkar (Retd. G.M., Sonali Bank), Mr. Samaresh Boidya (Journalist, HR Activist), Mr. Gobinda Chandra Mondal (Asst. Prof., Dhaka Univ.) and Mr. Ranajit Paul (Jony Enterprise), and Members: Mr. Shib Shankar Chakraborty (President, WHF-Bangladesh Chapter), Shri Hiralal Bala (Retd. Sec., G.O.B.), Mr. Dipak Ranjan Sengupta (Retd. Sec. G.O.B.), Mr. Shankar Ranjan Saha (HRCBM, Naogaon), Adv. Rana Das Gupta (Acting Sec. Gen. BHBCOP), Adv. Jagadish Sarkar (Judge Court, Dhaka), Mr. Madan Sahu (Asst. Editor, The daily Star), Adv. Titus Hillol Rema (Adv. Supreme Court, Adibashi Christian Leader), and Shrimati Sabitri Bhattacharya (VP, WHF-Bangladesh Chapter).

Dhiman Deb Chowdhury,
President, HRCBM-Central

Dr. Ajit K. Roy,
Secretary General, HRCBM-Central

Delhi says atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh could affect bilateral ties

Administrator — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Delhi says atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh could affect bilateral ties
Friday December 7 2007 00:00 IST
ASHWANI TALWAR

NEW DELHI: In a statement that echoes India’s recently-expressed "concern" over the state of ethnic Tamils in Malaysia, the government on Thursday told Parliament that it kept close tabs on the well-being of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Delhi has conveyed at the "highest levels" in Bangladesh that incidents of atrocities against minorities affected public sentiment in India and could affect bilateral relations, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

The minister was replying to a question from two Biju Janata Dal members, who were referring to US reports on "societal abuses and discrimination based on religious beliefs."

"Reports of violence and atrocities against minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh are received from time to time," Mukherjee’s reply said.

"The primary responsibility for the protection of the life, liberty and property of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh," it added.

"It has been conveyed at the highest levels of government that such incidents have an adverse impact on public sentiment in India, which in turn have the potential of affecting bilateral ties, and should be strictly dealt with," he said.

At least in public, Delhi had used milder terms while reacting to the Malaysia controversy – involving DMK chief M Karunanidhi too – which broke after authorities suppressed a Kuala Lumpur rally by Malaysian Indians protesting against their "marginalisation."

But Delhi had shown its displeasure by summoning Malaysia’s acting High Commissioner to the Foreign Office and telling him about the "widespread concern" in India about the fate of ethnic Indians in that country.

The BJP MPs didn’t specify which "US reports" they had based their query on. But the reference could be to the International Religious Freedom Report, prepared every year by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.

The US noted certain constitutional guarantees to the minorities as well as sporadic attacks on Hindus, Christians and Ahmediyas. Writer Taslima Nasreen's case also figured.

Meanwhile, Pranab Mukherjee met Bangladesh Foreign Advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury here on Thursday, ahead of a two-day meeting of Foreign Ministers from countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)-group.

Source: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEH20071206111827&Page=E&Headline=Delhi+says+atrocities+on+Hindus+in+Bangladesh+could+affect+bilateral+ties&Title=Top+Stories&Topic=0

Human Rights Day 2007 marks the start of a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Administrator — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:58:00 GMT

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 1948-2008

It is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Human Rights Day 2007 marks the start of a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Video of the Commemoration of Human Rights Day, 10 December 2007, Room XVII
at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland

View photos with captions on new page

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This theme for 2008, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values, inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.

Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

It is difficult to imagine today just what a fundamental shift the Universal Declaration of Human Rights represented when it was adopted sixty years ago. In a post-war world scarred by the Holocaust, divided by colonialism and wracked by inequality, a charter setting out the first global and solemn commitment to the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of colour, creed or origin, was a bold and daring undertaking.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour

An essential element in the protection of human rights is a widespread knowledge and understanding among people of what their rights are and how they can be defended. The Declaration is now available in over 360 languages and is the most translated document in the world – a testament to its universal nature and reach.

Sixty years on, we pay tribute to the extraordinary vision of the Declaration’s original drafters and to the many human rights defenders around the world who have struggled to make their vision a reality.

The Declaration belongs to each and every one of us – read it, learn it, promote it and claim it as your own.

Source: http://www.un.org/events/humanrights/2007/

Seminar: Bangladesh 1971: Intolerance, Violence and Genocide

Administrator — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 20:17:00 GMT

Media Release

Contact:
Dr. Bernard Weinstein
Professor of English
Chair of Master of Holocaust and Genocide Studies Program
Kean University
Email: bweinste@kean.edu

October 21, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kean University Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies is privileged to sponsor “ Bangladesh 1971: Intolerance, Violence and Genocide”, A study of all but forgotten Massacre of Bengali People. The program will be held on December 9, 2007 at 4:00pm in University center little theatre in Kean University , Union , NJ .

The program will have distinguished scholars from various universities, eyewitness and survivors, and family member of the victims of the genocide. The program will also have books, articles and videos on display in the pre-function lobby during the happy hour from 3:30pm – 4:00pm .

This unprecedented program is open to all.

For more information please visit: http://cie.kean.edu/~bdgenostudy or,Email: bdgenostudy@gmail.com , bweinste@kean. edu , mdrahman@kean. edu , or mrahman@kean.edu

About 350 families did not receive any relief two weeks after Cyclone SIRD destroyed their belongings.

Administrator — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:42:00 GMT

It was very heart breaking to read the story published in Weekly Jai Jai Din on Dec 3rd that the population (350 families) of entire village is yet to receive any food or other relief since Cyclone SIDR destroyed their livelihood on Nov 16th, 2007.

Place: Chandipur Village, Chingrikhali Union, Moralganj Upazila, Bagerhat District

About 350 families did not receive any relief two weeks after Cyclone SIRD destroyed their belongings. The story was heart breaking, people are dying for food and the chairman of the Union Parisad Mr. Maulana Abul Kashem deprived them of food because they did not vote for him. This just one incident being reported but there are many more Chandipur gone unreported hence we don’t know and we are unable to render help. I would urge people like Mr. Kashem, please, please don’t do vote politics when your own people are dying. See the news at –
http://hrcbmdfw.org/blogs/bangladesh/archive/2007/12/04/795.aspx

Upon reading the story I called Cornell Asif (my apology, I did not get the last name) at his cell phone number 011-880-1711883397 and appraised him of the situation. He did not waste time to counter the news report. So, we were able to get to the point quickly. He took note of the village and assured me he will take immediate action to send help to Chandipur. I mentioned that we can only send funds for the victims from abroad but you are in a position to directly help them. I promised to call him back in next couple of days to inquire the situation again and he thanked me for pointing the incident.

I think of this (Care Taker) movement being the most free of corruption as compared to all past governments and I, therefore, have high hope from this government. I call upon the government of Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed to help distribute the relief materials irrespective of caste, creed and religion. I call upon the civil society to come forward to help the SIDR victims. If you see news like this, please call Cornell Asif and bring it to his attention. Please don’t remain silent spectator.

Sincerely,
Prodip Saha
Member, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities

Note: Relief Operation from HRCBM is currently underway. You can send your contribution to HRCBM’s relief fund online at http://hrcbmdfw.org/blogs/bangladesh/archive/2007/12/04/792.aspx

Discrimination on relief operation in the Cyclone hit area in Bagerhat

Administrator — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:22:00 GMT

Discrimination on relief operation in the Cyclone hit area in Bagerhat published in Jai Jai Din which depicts that Hindu minorities are discriminated and not received relief for 16 days.

Donate to HRCBM Cyclone Emergency Relief Fund Help Save Cyclone Devastated People of Bangladesh

Administrator — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:02:00 GMT

On behalf of Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities-DFW (HRCBM-DFW), we appeal to each and everyone to donate generously to help save lives of cyclone devastated people of Bangladesh. HRCBM-DFW is working in collaboration with Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD) and other human rights and social organization organizations to help save lives.

Over one million people are affected. The death toll has crossed 4000 and rising. With the winter setting in, people are desperate for food, shelter, warm clothing and medicine in fear of their, especially the children's, vulnerability to diseases.

Please send you generous contribution urgently to the address below or you can donate online:
HRCBM
P.O. Box 5493
Santa Clara, CA 95056, USA

Online Donations by Credit Cards- Donations can be made by online secured site using credit card.

1. Please click the link below
http://www.hrcbm.org/disaster/index.html

2.     Change the donation amount from default $25 to any desired $ amount
3.     Click on the donate button.
4.     Provide requested information and continue

For any questions related to the secured online donation please contact us at Human.Rights@hrcbmdfw.org

Thank you for your generous contribution and support.

Respectfully,
The Executive Committee
HRCBM-DFW

[HRCBM is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are Tax Deductible (Tax ID: 752966362)]

Follow up on Purnima Shil who was gang raped by 25-30 men. Judge issued warrant against 17.

Administrator — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:15:00 GMT

Follow up on Purnima Shil who was gang raped by 25-30 men. Judge issued warrant against 17.

Source: http://www.ittefaq.com/get.php?d=07/11/16/w/n_txtrrz