Human rights activists on Friday called for the withdrawal of harassment cases filed against journalists and ensuring the safety of human rights workers across the country.
The demand was made during the 16th anniversary celebration of the Bangladesh Human Rights Development Foundation (BHRDF), held at the National Press Club in the capital.
Addressing the programme, speakers emphasized that the primary reform should focus on human rights.
They pointed out that despite the constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights, these rights have not been fully realised for citizens in the past 53 years.
Journalist Welfare Trust Managing Director M Abdullah alleged that during the tenure of previous government, human rights were disregarded.
“We don’t want to witness any further human rights violations, including enforced disappearances. Anyone who violates human rights, regardless of their political affiliation, should be held accountable,” he told the programme with BHRDF president Jafar Haider in the chair.
Expressing concern over the safety of journalists, he said, “Journalists are also human rights workers. They are often the first to speak up about human rights violations. They work under various risks, and their safety must be guaranteed.”
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon joint secretary Aminur Rasul said that when the state is centered around an individual, human rights become compromised.
“Since independence, this has been the reason why the country has not been able to break free from human rights violations,” he said, calling for addressing the issue immediately.
