'No one should be left behind due to discrimination or violence'
Speaking at an event yesterday, he said societal pressure often forces families to conceal the identities of their loved ones – an attitude that undermines “the very foundation of our claimed civility.”
Sk Ashfaqur Rahman, executive director of the Senior District and Sessions Judge and National Legal Aid Services Organisation (NLASO), has called for a collective commitment to social equality, saying no individual should be left behind because of discrimination or violence.
Speaking at an event yesterday, he said societal pressure often forces families to conceal the identities of their loved ones – an attitude that undermines "the very foundation of our claimed civility."
He highlighted NLASO's free legal services and urged citizens to use the toll-free hotline 16699.
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The programme, held at Bangladesh Mohila Samiti's Ivy Rahman Hall and organised by Bandhu Social Welfare Society under the theme "Building an Inclusive, Resilient, and Gender-Equal Society," honoured 11 frontline activists supporting Hijra and other marginalised communities during crises with the "Champion for Change: Best Change Maker Performance Award 2025."
Deputy Attorney General Syed Ejaz Kabir stressed the need to uphold human rights every day, not only on symbolic occasions. "Change is difficult but essential, and social acceptance must be mutual and continuous," he said.
Adi Walker, team leader of Nagorikata, Civic Engagement Fund, said true transformation requires persistent effort and often faces resistance. Citing Albert Einstein, he said, "Opposition is inevitable when challenging the status quo. That is why the role of young Change Makers is so important, grounded in three elements: initiative, perseverance, and purpose."
Bandhu Chairperson Tamanna Rahman, who chaired the event, called for unified and inclusive action to safeguard marginalised communities.
A presentation highlighted the work of Bandhu's Ain-Alap Unit, which, since 2013, has provided legal support, dispute resolution, human rights services, and crisis assistance in all 64 districts.
This year's awardees – Md Ali Ahmed Harez, Md Nazrul Islam, Md Junayed Ahmed, Md Rubaidul Haque Joarder, Sazal Ahmed, Md Deloar Hossain, Anwar Kader Chowdhury, Md Omar Faruk, Saha Alam and paralegal Sanjana Mahbuba – were recognised for their contributions to justice, dignity and community-driven change.
