Speakers on Wednesday discussed issues related to human rights violations, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, and demanded state accountability, good governance in student politics, and the broader human rights framework for a new Bangladesh at an event organized by the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) on International Human Rights Day.
To mark International Human Rights Day, Ducsu held a discussion at the RC Majumdar Auditorium at Dhaka University.
Ducsu GS highlights ongoing global conflicts
Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad said that even after the decision to observe Human Rights Day in 1948, wars and conflicts across the world have continued. Conflicts persist in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, and many other regions, with Gaza being a recent example.
He noted that every year on Human Rights Day, seminars and meetings are held, yet the most fundamental human right—the protection of human life—still cannot be ensured. In Bangladesh, many people remain missing; while “Anand” has been found, there is still no trace of “Oliullah,” “Muqaddas,” or the missing students of the Islamic University.
Farhad stated that the dream of establishing human rights after 1971 remains unfulfilled.
“The last 15 years were a terrible period of human rights crisis, and the period after 2024 has not changed completely either.”
He added that beyond formal observances, individuals must commit to protecting the rights of others. “If we uphold the principle that ‘killing one person means killing all of humanity,’ then the protection of human rights will become meaningful,” he said.
Commission member calls for truth
Nur Khan Liton, a member of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, said this is the first time Human Rights Day is being officially observed through Ducsu, which is a positive step.
He reminded students that in the past, students have even died as a result of torture by student organizations; it is Ducsu's responsibility to change these incidents.
He mentioned that in the past, many people, including Moqaddas and Moqaddem, were picked up by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and then disappeared. Many families could not walk freely out of fear; many lost their loved ones before their eyes.
“We must not forget the incidents of enforced disappearance—the commission is working to uncover the truth of each incident.”
Liton expressed concern about political divisions, saying that the foundation of democracy is tolerance and respect for opposing views.
Dr Nabila Idris shares survivors' experiences
Dr Nabila Idris, recipient of the Begum Rokeya Award, highlighted the horrific mental and physical torture experienced by victims of enforced disappearance.
Nabila said that many were given electric shocks with the intention of destroying their intellectual capacity—as a result, their cognitive abilities were damaged.
She cautioned students that education and career can never be a second priority—this is clear from the rehabilitation struggles of victims of enforced disappearance.
She also spoke against torture and "guestroom culture" related to student politics and advised documenting every incident.
Calling for increased participation of women, she said the presence of women on the path to change is essential.
Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem demands justice
Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Arman), another victim of enforced disappearance, said that hundreds of families still do not know whether their loved ones are alive or dead—the state has failed to give them answers.
He said enforced disappearance is a national wound, and the first condition for healing from it is strict accountability.
He mentioned the rehabilitation of families of victims as a state responsibility and said that while billion-taka development projects are possible, the state has taken no steps for the financial security of families affected by disappearances.
He called the lack of investigation into the departure of a top military official "state failure" and called upon the Chief Adviser to form an investigation commission.
UN human rights officer emphasizes universal values
Huma Khan, acting head of mission at the UN Human Rights High Commissioner's Office, said human rights is not a difficult or complex issue. It can be stated very simply—as human beings, everyone will receive equal rights, regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, gender, color, or class.
She added that many consider this a Western concept, but she challenges that.
Representatives from various regions of the world participated in drafting the human rights charter. Even before that, the fundamental principles of human rights—equality, justice, compassion, and respect—are clearly mentioned in our own religious texts and various cultures.
“Therefore, human rights are not a foreign concept for us; it is an extension of our own values,” she added.
“We must distinguish between the concept of human rights and human rights institutions. Institutions have largely been developed in the West, and powerful countries have sometimes misused them—this is true. However, even though the institutions are imperfect, they are an important platform for us where we can present our views and speak against injustice. No institution is perfect; we all work together to make it better. But without institutions, the space for us to make our demands becomes restricted.”
Speaking about Bangladesh, she said that just as there were some good laws before, there are still many good laws now. But the root of the problem is their proper implementation.
“Our police, civil service, and administrative structures were formed during the British colonial era with the purpose of controlling people. Even after independence, that mentality has not changed. As a result, even today, the police think their job is to control people; the civil service thinks they are doing people a favor."
She added that the reality is that every state institution should be engaged in serving the people, because they are paid with taxpayers' money. Elected representatives are also servants of the people—not rulers. “We need to bring about this mental change, and the young generation can lead this change.”
She also said she believes that after the elections, when the reform process begins, this cultural change will also come—where the government is not the source of power but works as a servant of the people.
“The change we are talking about today, the people of Bangladesh laid its foundation last year. Many countries around the world try—but very few succeed.”
Ducsu VP condemns past repression
Ducsu Vice President Shadik Kayem paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement, Liberation War, the 1990 movement, and the recent movement.
He said that for the past 16 years, Bangladesh was under fascist rule and universities were turned into concentration camps through the student league.
He said many students were tortured on suspicion of being Shibir for practicing Islam or praying, which was even celebrated.
Shadik said those who legitimized enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and repression in the name of being human rights workers are "enemies of the nation"—their trial must be ensured.
He warned that even in the new Bangladesh, some groups are trying to bring back the old repressive policies.
He said the new Bangladesh will be a country of rights and justice for all people, where there will be no enforced disappearances or torture.
Call for unity and zero tolerance
In the lengthy discussion, speakers emphasized ending enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, establishing accountability, student safety, protecting human rights, increasing women's participation, and national unity.
Speakers evaluated Ducsu's initiative as an important step toward establishing human rights and called for ensuring zero tolerance against enforced disappearances and torture.