Human rights violations rising daily: Sultana Kamal
The human rights activist has called on people to raise their voices.
Human rights violations are occurring daily, with marginalised communities suffering the most, freedom fighter and human rights activist Sultana Kamal said today (11 December).
"Citizens must raise their voices; silence is not an option," she said at a discussion marking International Human Rights Day and the closing of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at the Alok Training Centre in Dhaka.
Sultana Kamal, chairperson of the Foundation for Human Rights Culture, said ensuring freedom of expression does not require new policy reforms. "Rather, it requires the state to fulfil its responsibilities."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
She called for a future government that prioritises the protection of civil liberties over retaining power.
She also said the people's rights to be heard, understood, and informed are being gravely violated.
"What I believe is my personal choice, and others may believe differently – that is tolerance. Our society fails to teach this tolerance, which puts our children at risk," she added.
The dialogue was organised by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). This year's Human Rights Day theme was "Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials," underscoring the need to uphold rights as part of daily life.
Speaking as the chief guest, Md Daud Miah, director general (additional secretary) of the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Chief Adviser's Office, stressed the need to build both sympathy and empathy. "Sympathy alone is not enough. We must develop empathy," he said.
He urged development organisations to work closely with their beneficiaries as members of their organisations to empower them, rather than viewing them only as recipients of support.
"If beneficiaries are empowered to choose what is right, we will make significant progress," he said.
Presenting the keynote paper, Banasree Mitra Neogi, director of Rights and Governance Programmes at MJF, said human rights are neither distant nor complex legal concepts—they are rooted in the dignity, safety, and equality people expect in their families, communities, and workplaces.
"No development, digital transformation, or major infrastructure can be sustainable without justice, dignity, and equal rights. Human rights are universal regardless of birth, religion, gender, or social identity," she said.
She added that speaking against injustice and amplifying marginalised voices are essential to protecting rights, especially amid global crises, inequality, and climate-related vulnerabilities.
Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF, said human rights must be practised every day, not only on observance days. "To truly uphold human rights, we must believe in them, practise them, and ensure they apply to everyone," she said.
She also referred to global human rights violations, including the situation in Gaza, and reflected on Bangladesh's history of independence.
Shaheen expressed concern over rising violence against women, children, and minority groups.
Condemning the degrading comments and online harassment directed at Begum Rokeya – who faced posthumous harassment recently – she said such actions constitute serious violations of human rights.
She also expressed gratitude to long-standing human rights activists present at the event.
Representatives from youth groups, development partners, civil society, journalists, and marginalised communities – including persons with disabilities, indigenous groups, Dalits, and the Hijra community – called on the state to ensure proper application of the law, guarantee justice, and establish accountability.
They also urged prioritising a culture of respect, empathy, and equality within families, communities, and society.
