GAIBANDHA, DEC 10, 2021 (BSS)- Human Rights Day-2021 was observed here
like elsewhere in the world marking the 73rd anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly on December 10 in 1948.

   This year's theme of the day is "Reducing inequalities, advancing human
rights".

   Marking the Day, Abalamban, a local voluntary organisation, chalked out
the elaborate programmes under UNDP Human Rights Programme with the financial
support of Switzerland and Embassy of Sweden.

   On the day, Abalamban, Adibashi- Bangali Sanghati Parishad (ABSP) and
District Human Rights Forum jointly arranged a rally around 11 am, formed a
human chain and organised indigenous cultural function in front of Natya
Sangstha of the district town with Advocate Sirazul Islam Babu, president of
ABSP, in the chair.

   The human chain was also addressed, among others, by Executive Director of
Abalamban Probir Chakrabartee, President of Sahebganj-Bagda Farm Bhumi Uddhar
Sangram Committee Philimon Baske, its Organising Secretary Swapon Dev,
Convener of Samazik Sangram Parishad Zahangir Kabir Tanu, Adibashi leaders
Pricila Murmu, Trihna Murmu and Sufal Hembrom and human rights worker Anjali
Rani Debi.

  "It's true that the indigenous communities of the country are in marginal
position. So, their protection and human rights would have to be ensured
anyhow as the Constitution of Bangladesh has fully complied with the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the speakers demanded.

   They also urged the National Human Rights Commission to intensify its
overall activities from the center to the grassroots level so that the people
of the country become more aware of their rights and receive assistance from
the commission regarding human rights.

  They also demanded of the government to establish cultural academy in the
district for the indigenous people to protect their heritage, language and
culture.

   Later, a colorful cultural function was also held marking the day.
Children of the indigenous communities of the district rendered songs and
performed dances on the occasion.

   A Large number of indigenous people, human rights workers, NGO activists,
social workers and journalists took part in the programmes spontaneously.