Representatives from different human rights organisation urged the government to protect human rights of ethnic minority people for bringing them to the mainstream.
They said human rights organisations should strengthen voice to protect rights and entitlements of ethnic minorities and underprivileged people of the country.
They came up with the call at the inaugural function of a two-day human rights fair titled “Hands of Humanity for Protecting Humans Rights” in Rajshahi city.
On the occasion of the World Human Rights Day, Adibashi Sangskritik Uddayan Sangstha (ASUS) in association with Oxfam and European Union jointly organised the fair on Green Plaza premises of Rajshahi City Corporation.
The two-day fair features several programmes, including colorful procession, seminar, panel discussion and cultural programmes.
Eminent writer Hasan Azizul Haque inaugurated the fair releasing balloons and pigeons at about11:30am as the chief guest.
Azizul Haque said the government itself would have to ensure human rights for underprivileged people and ethnic minority groups.
He also urged the government not to divide citizens into groups and to ensure equal rights for all.
Later, a colourful procession participated by distinguished guests and members of different human rights organisations was brought out in the city.
A panel discussion on “Democracy, Human Rights and Link up at Local Step” was also held while Bishwajit Chanda, dean of Law faculty of Rajshahi University coordinated the session.
With Raj Kumar Shaon, executive director of the ASUS, in the chair, MB Akter, acting country director of Oxfam, Julia Jacoby, programme manager of Governance and Human Rights and EU representative Kasia Kazubska spoke at the event.
The speakers called upon the government to recognise different ethnic minority groups as ‘Indigenous’ in the constitution.
The first day’s programme ended around 7pm amid a cultural programme.
Uzzal Ajim, project officer of Oxfam coordinated the cultural session.
About 20 stalls of different human rights organisations and ethnic minority groups were set up at the fair where different human rights relating publications were displayed.