In Rajshahi, a dialogue took place to gather local opinions on the draft Human Rights Defenders Protection Act, an initiative spearheaded by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). The event, held at Hotel Warisan, brought together journalists, human rights activists, and professionals from various fields. The main goal was to collect insights and recommendations to ensure a safe and independent environment for human rights defenders. Participants discussed the challenges these defenders face and the legal protections necessary for their work.
The dialogue was part of a broader program, “Engage Now,” which aims to enhance engagement among women, youth, and marginalized groups to foster accountability and promote a culture of human rights in Bangladesh. The program is supported by the European Union and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh. The event was moderated by Rokonuzzaman, Project Coordinator of ASK, and featured notable speakers such as former Rajshahi Education Board Chairman Prof Dipakendra Nath Das and Dil Sitara Chuni from the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association.
Participants emphasized the need for an effective and timely law to safeguard human rights defenders. They shared constructive feedback on the draft act, highlighting the importance of a participatory approach to make the legislation more realistic and impactful. ASK plans to organize similar dialogues across the country to incorporate diverse perspectives into the final draft.
The feedback from these dialogues will be crucial in finalizing the draft Human Rights Defenders Protection Act, ensuring it provides a supportive environment for human rights defenders in Bangladesh. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to protecting those who work to uphold human rights, a critical aspect for the country's democratic development.
