Rising fundamentalism obstacle to ensuring HR
They also identified the present political trend and social inequality as hindrances to human rights, saying that both the major political parties have been using religion to achieve political gains.
They called on all to stamp out fundamentalism at every level immediately as it endangers personal freedom and the right to freedom of opinion.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) organised the seminar titled 'Fundamentalism is the main hindrance to human rights' at the Jatiya Press Club in the city.
Reading out a written speech, Kazi Sufia Akhter, secretary of BMP, demanded restoration of the constitution of 1972, a ban on religion-based political parties and immediate trial of Mufti Hannan and other bomb attackers.
At the same time, the professional organisations have to be more active and raise their voice against fundamentalism, she said, adding that women should be more aware as they are the direct victims of fundamentalism.
Prof Muntasir Mamun, chairman of the history department at Dhaka University, said fundamentalism has been influencing people's thinking for a long time. As a result, people have lost their power of freethinking, he added.
"Both the BNP and Jamaat are the followers of same ideology and they have already changed the people's mindset towards fundamentalism. They have even brought changes to textbooks," he said, adding that they are manipulating the people's thinking through media.
Prof Muntasir appreciated the role of journalists who are trying to help protect human rights in such adverse condition.
Prof Geeti Ara Nasrin of mass communication and journalism department, DU, said space should be created for open thoughts and the mass media can play an important role in this regard.
"A culture of fear has been created in the country through violence in the name of religion, which is making people inactive," she said, urging the politicians to protect the countrymen from such situation.
President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Hena Das, General Secretary Ayesha Khanam, Selina Khalek and representatives of different rights organisations attended the seminar.