PRESS RELEASE
Australian Forum for Minorities in Bangladesh observed World Human Rights Day on 16 December 2007 by organising a seminar on the Human Rights situation in Bangladesh. The event was followed by celebrating the 37th Victory day of Bangladesh. Members of Bangladeshi community living in Sydney attended this meeting. The Honourable Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs was the Chief Guest at the event. Mr Ferguson stressed on upholding the values of Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a measure of true democracy. Referring to the recent media reports, Mr Ferguson expressed his concern about the threat of fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami to the democratic value of Bangladeshi politics. Ms Mairi Peterson of Amnesty International was an honourable guest at this event. She gave a detailed account of the minority persecution in Bangladesh based on her practical experience in living in Bangladesh on three occasions. She indicated her willingness to extend her cooperation to the activities of the Forum in relation to the human rights issues in Bangladesh. Mr Anil Nath, General Secretary of the Forum, presented the position paper on the Human Rights situation in Bangladesh. Professor Rafiqul Islam of Macquarie University gave an explicit account of the constitutional matters that are not properly implemented in ensuring the human rights in Bangladesh. Professor Islam highlighted the appropriate use of the judicial system to deal with relevant issues. Mr Nitish Barua, Assistant General Secretary of the Forum, also spoke on this occasion. The audience spontaneously took part in the discussion and emphasised on more proactive stands for the protection of rights of the minorities in Bangladesh. Dr Samir Sarkar, President of the Forum, presided over and Mr Anil Nath conducted the function. They reiterated the commitment of the Forum to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by working towards eradicating the scourge of repression and atrocities against the minorities in Bangladesh. The Forum paid respect to each and every human rights defender, who played important role in protecting the rights of the minorities in Bangladesh.
Forum also celebrated 37th Victory Day of Bangladesh. Professor Rafiqul Islam of Macquarie University and Barrister Sirajul Haque took part in the discussion on the significance of the Victory Day. Mr Shushanta Goon conducted the discussion. The discussion was followed by a captivating cultural function. Mrs Sudeepta Goswami recited a special poem on the Victory Day. Sumita Dey, Mithun Goswami, Rituparna Dhar, Ihita Maitra,Shoumik Das, Shreyoshi Das and Sushanta Goon performed at the function. Youngsters, Ihita Maitra and Sharmista Mohajan attracted the audience by their lively presentation of the cultural function. Dr Samir Sarkar, President of the Forum, thanked everyone to make the event successful.