Dhaka: Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul emphasized the importance of nurturing human rights as a cultural practice rather than merely through legal enforcement. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Human Rights Support Society at the Professor Mozaffar Ahmed Chowdhury auditorium in Dhaka University, Dr. Asif highlighted the need for self-purification, self-criticism, and self-improvement to achieve a culture of human rights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Asif advocated for transparency in universities and called for legal and institutional reforms to foster virtues that facilitate human rights. He criticized the global double standards in human rights advocacy, pointing out that while Europe and America are perceived as champions of human rights, they often violate these rights globally through wars and support for oppressive regimes. Dr. Asif described the regime of AL as a 'fascist era' and urged the remembrance of the sacrifices made to remove Hasina from power, ensuring such atrocities do not recur.
Dr. Muhammad Ekramul Haq, Dean of Dhaka University's Law Faculty, spoke at the seminar, stressing the importance of judicial independence and the implementation of human rights laws. He highlighted the opportunity for an independent judiciary in Bangladesh following the fall of the authoritarian regime in 2024, calling for accountability and governance reforms to pave the way for a just society.
Sanjida Khan, mother of Shahriar Khan, a martyr of the July uprising, shared her personal anguish, lamenting the violation of rights and the loss of her son. Michael Chakma, a victim of enforced disappearance, recounted the despair his family faced, culminating in his father's death due to a heart attack and their hopelessness in performing last rites for him while he was still alive.
The seminar concluded with the recognition of ten winners of the Human Rights Olympiad, honoring their contributions to human rights advocacy.