The right to a lifetime of dignity  

This year, Global Dignity marks its first decade. The movement has reached over 60 countries with a distinct message that all people are entitled to a dignified life. At times of humanitarian crises resulting from wars, concerns about wealth gaps and polarising political discourses, Global Dignity continues in its mission to have Dignity as a right for all people. In Bangladesh, ‘Global Dignity Day-2016’ celebrations ended with a closing ceremony on Tuesday November 01, organised by Friendship, a non-governmental organisation. It was held at the Krishibid Institution in the capital. Throughout the month of October, Friendship organised ‘Dignity’ workshops and classroom lessons in more than 100 schools and learning centres all over the country. In these workshops, school students learnt to instil dignity as a core value in all aspects of human life. At the closing ceremony, children from various schools, individuals from Dhaka as well as remote areas of the country and guest speakers from various organisations were also present to share what dignity means to them. State Minister of Finance and Planning M A Mannan, MP graced the occasion as chief guest while Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, professor of Business School at BRAC University was present as guest of honour.  HE Sophie Aubert, the ambassador of France to Bangladesh, HE Darryl Lau, the consul of Consulate of Singapore, and Zafar Sobhan, the editor-in-chief of Dhaka Tribune, attended the programme as special guests. Runa Khan, the country chair of Global Dignity Bangladesh and founder and executive director of Friendship, along with Ronald Nissfolk, the South Asia program coordinator of Erikshjalpen, Sheikh Ashraf Hossain, the joint secretary of Ministry of Primary Education, as well as other notable civil society members and heads of various organisations were present at the closing ceremony as well. On this occasion Runa Khan announced Ejaj Ahmad, founder and president of Bangladesh Youth Leadership Centre (BYLC) as the city chair of Global Dignity Dhaka. Speaking on the occasion, State Minister of Finance and Planning MA Mannan, MP said, “we have been working to establish dignity for our people for decades. Though independence, we established ourselves as a dignified nation. Now we are fighting for eradication of poverty and illiteracy, which we have been able to achieve to a great extent. We need to be patient and work hard. If we try ourselves, we can make it happen.” “We have to be self reliant. If we are strong, definitely people will respect us. At the same time, we have to respect others’ views and opinions,” said Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, professor of Business School of BRAC University. “Money is not everything. Man can’t live by bread alone,” he added. “Dignity is very important for the youth. We have to start from the bottom of the pyramid which is children,” said Runa Khan, country chair of Global Dignity Bangladesh and founder and executive director of Friendship.