World Human Rights Day today

On this day in 1948, the Universal Human Rights Charter was signed in Paris, and its principles and philosophy were later included in various international human rights charters for implementation in many countries.

On the eve of the 56th World Human Rights Day, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has urged all to work together 'to develop and nurture in future generations a culture of human rights to promote freedom, security and peace in all nations.'

President Iajuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia have given separate messages on the occasion reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to upholding human rights.

Leader of the Opposition and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina in her message blamed the government for its 'failure' to ensure the rights of the citizens.

Different rights organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day. These include discussion, rally and human chain.

Human Rights International yesterday held a meeting presided over by its presidium member Dr Mohammad Salim.

The meeting expressed shock and grief at heinous attacks by the suicide bombers on innocent people across the country.

It urged the government to take more effective measures to stop such attacks in future.

The organisation will form a human chain today.

Bangladesh Bastobayan Sangstha, Orpito Samppati Ain Protirodh Andolon Jatiya Committee, Centre for Communication Network, World Peace and Human Rights Movement Bangladesh, Initiative for Radical Human Rights, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, Human Rights Review Society, National Garment Workers Federation, Coalition for the Urban Poor, Bangladesh Awami Sangskritic Forum, Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies, The Hunger Project, EPZ. Workers Centre Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantric Dal, and Bangladesh NGO Sammilan have arranged different programmes to mark the occasion.