Dhaka: Visiting United Kingdom’s Human Rights Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative in the United Nations, Eleanor Sanders, today underscored the importance of ensuring justice, accountability, human rights, and fundamental freedom, emphasizing that human rights are a universal issue. She stated, “The human rights of all must be protected regardless of race, religion, caste,” during a special address at a seminar held at Dhaka University (DU).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar was jointly organized by the DU Applied Democracy Lab and the British High Commission in Dhaka, under the title ‘Democracy and Human Rights.’ The event took place at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. Sanders assured that the UK would continue its efforts towards promoting these values globally.
DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, who attended as the chief guest, highlighted the significant role played by the young generation in various political and social movements in the country, including the anti-discrimination student movement and the July mass uprising. She urged the youth to contribute to building a state grounded in democracy, justice, and equality. The Applied Democracy Lab at Dhaka University, she noted, was established to inspire students to engage in democratic practices.
Dr. Bidisha expressed optimism that the lab would effectively promote democratic values within society. Vanessa Beaumont, Second Secretary of the British High Commission, also addressed the seminar as a special guest, with Mohammad Ainul Islam, Director of the Applied Democracy Lab of Dhaka University and Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science, presiding over the event.
The seminar saw participation from teachers, students, and researchers from various departments of Dhaka University, as well as human rights activists from different organizations.