'ASF to continue its activities until acid violence eliminated'

They said ASF would also continue its efforts to create mass awareness against acid violence and establish a society where the acid victims could live happily.

The pledge was made by the speakers at a press conference organised in connection with the receipt of Human Rights Award 2005 by Manira Rahman, executive director of ASF, at its office at Banani in the city yesterday.

Manira received the award from Amnesty International-German Section in Berlin on March 19 for her excellent contribution to human rights activities.

Manira has donated the entire amount of award money worth Euro 7500 to ASF foundation for the welfare of acid victims.

Addressing the press conference, Manira said this is not only her personal achievement but also the collective efforts of all her staffs and all the human rights activists of the country.

"My team of ASF and I will continue our activities until we are sure that there is not a single woman or man is a victim of acid attack in the country," she asserted.

Manira said the German government had proposed her that they want to give financial assistance to acid victims of Bangladesh.

The government should take initiative to receive the assistance, she added.

ASF Advisory Member Advocate Salma Khan said it is not recognised in the country that women's rights is a human right, so the movement will go on until the women are getting equal rights in the society.

Treasurer of ASF Trusty Board ASM Shawkat Hossain and member AK Masood Ahmed, ASF Prevention Coordinators Mahbuba Haque Kumkum and Asma Akhter also spoke.