The Mania Youth Forum, a non-political youth organization, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in human rights violations in Bangladesh. To protest this situation, they organized a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday, April 17th at 3 pm.
Presided over by the organization’s president Sayeed Mashooq Main Uddin Al Hasani, the human chain saw the participation of various social and organizational leaders who delivered speeches.
The president emphasized the urgent threat to freedom of expression, personal security, and social harmony in the country. He condemned attacks, vandalism, looting and arson against people of differing opinions and religious institutions, calling these violations of human rights unacceptable.
He further highlighted the increasing prevalence of theft, robbery, murder, rape and drug-related crimes, which are disrupting people’s lives and severely affecting fundamental rights like security and justice.
Speakers from the human chain Sheikh Fahim Faisal Eza Chowdhury stressed the need for immediate and effective action to protect human rights and build a safe society. They also highlighted the state’s responsibility to ensure the security of shrines, khankas and other religious institutions.
To address these concerns, the speakers presented seven-point proposals to the government:
- Increase the effective presence and surveillance of law enforcement agencies to enhance security for all citizens and religious institutions, particularly shrines and khankas.
- Rapidly identify and prosecute those involved in violence, hatred, and provocative activities.
- Establish a special task force to combat serious crimes like theft, robbery, murder, and rape, ensuring swift trials.
- Conduct a fair and impartial investigation into every human rights violation incident and impose exemplary punishment on those responsible.
- Develop awareness programmes to foster social harmony and tolerance.
- Provide rehabilitation for individuals and religious institutions affected by violence and offer necessary financial support.
- Enhance the accountability and effectiveness of local administration to improve law and order.
The speakers expressed their hope that these proposals, if implemented, will ensure human rights protection, social stability, and peaceful coexistence within the country. They strongly demanded that concerned authorities immediately halt the violence from the human chain, protect human rights, and take decisive action to safeguard the security of all institutions. At the end of the day, we all want to live within a peaceful nation.