Photo: The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Dec 10, 2025 (BSS) - The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh today honoured Kalpona Akter and Rani Yan Yan as the inaugural recipients of its Human Rights Defenders Award in recognition of their sustained contributions to promoting and protecting human rights in the country.

The award was presented at the Canadian High Commissioner's residence on the International Human Rights Day, in the presence of ambassadors, diplomats, UN agencies, civil society representatives, academics and government officials.

Kalpona Akter, a labour rights advocate and founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity (BCWS), was recognised for more than two decades of activism advancing the rights of garment workers. Beginning as a young garment worker herself, she rose to become one of the world's most prominent labour rights leaders, contributing to major reforms following the Rana Plaza tragedy and serving as the President of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF).

Rani Yan Yan, Advisor to the Chakma Circle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, was honoured for her leadership as an indigenous rights defender and women's rights activist. She has worked to strengthen traditional governance institutions, advocate for justice and equity and build alliances among local, national and international rights actors.

She previously received the U.S. State Department's Global Anti-Racism Champions Award in 2023.

In his remarks, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh said defending human rights is a core principle of Canada's foreign policy. 

"By recognising human rights defenders who work tirelessly and courageously to uphold human rights, we acknowledge the important roles these leaders play in building more just, inclusive and prosperous communities where no one is left behind," he stated.

Canada also collaborates with Bangladesh, civil society and international partners such as UNDP, ILO and IFES on initiatives supporting girls' education, climate resilience, labour rights, Indigenous rights, community-led development and civic education for elections.

This is the first year the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka has instituted the Human Rights Defenders Award.