Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given the following Message on the occasion of the International Human Rights Day :
“On the auspicious occasion of International Human Rights Day, I, on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh, join the international community in reaffirming our unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedom of all people as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, the Day assumes added significance as it is devoted to commencing a year-long campaign for the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a committed, responsible, and contributing member of the international community, Bangladesh has always been at the global forefront in demonstrating its robust engagement with human rights mechanisms and institutions and in living up to its national and international obligations to promote and protect human rights. Bangladesh’s accession to or ratification of almost all the key international human rights instruments epitomizes the constitutional commitment and solemnity with which the country deals with the issue of human rights. However, politically motivated uses of human rights issues against developing countries in a selective manner continue to paralyze multilateral human rights mechanisms. Such an approach by a handful of countries contradicts the spirit of the UN Charter on sovereignty and non-interference. For Bangladesh, a nation that was born out of a long struggle against injustice, discrimination, and oppression, respect for the human rights of our citizens is indeed a constitutional and ideological pledge. Our Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, envisioned a country that would uphold the principles of secularism, equality, inclusivity, democracy, and justice. Guided by the Constitutional commitment and drawing inspiration from the vision of Father of the Nation, my Government has made relentless efforts during the last fourteen years to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every one of our citizens, especially the vulnerable ones, including women, children, religious and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and people living in extreme poverty. We remain committed to combating poverty, deprivation, and social exclusion that violate human rights and dignity and create barriers to the full enjoyment of human rights and social justice by a particular segment of our people. However, atrocities continue to torment the conscience of humankind all around the world. The decade- long persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar and the painful suffering of the Palestinian people are only a few examples of gross human rights violations. The emergence of new challenges like climate crisis is detrimental to the enjoyment of people’s fundamental rights. As the world gradually begins to recover from the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the spiraling crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine war has plunged the world into more uncertainty and vulnerability. Against this backdrop, this year’s theme, “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,” is very relevant.
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, we call upon the people of the world to renew their vow to the cause of human dignity and freedom. As a State Party to almost all human rights instruments and a newly elected member of the Human Rights Council, Bangladesh renews its pledge to continue its unflinching support towards ensuring the inalienable rights of all individuals all over the world.
Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu
May Bangladesh Live forever.”