BDCSOProcess, a forum of 700 civil society and non-government organisations in Bangladesh, along with COAST Trust organised a virtual seminar on Wednesday titled “Better Health: Stand Up for Human Rights”, on the eve of Rokeya Day (Dec 09) and Human Rights Day (Dec 10), says a press release.
Speakers urged that health should not only be recognised as a basic need, it must be considered as a fundamental right in our Constitution.
They also raised concerns on our national achievements on the eve of 50 years of independence, whether we have achieved our principles of Liberation War, democracy, socialism, secularism and nationalism.
The virtual seminar was chaired by Saheen Anam of MJF (Manusher Jonno Foundation). Shireen P Huq of Naripokkho attended as the special guest.
The seminar was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of BDCSOProcess.
Other key speakers were Afzal Hossain of RULFAO, Rajshahi, AKM Jashim Uddin of ADAB, Merina Lovely, Channel i representative in Rangpur, Jahirul Islam of The Business Standard Barisal Bureau, Basanti Saha of Dropon, Comilla, AHM Bazlur Rahman of BNNNRC, Sarati Shaha of SEED, Rangpur, Akbar Hossain of RPF, Rangpur, Anwar Zahid of ICDA, Barisal and Mostafa Kamal Akanda of COAST.
Shireen Pervin Haq of Naripokkho remembered the courage shown by Begum Rokeya hundred years ago said that our nation has to show the courage again.
Profit mongering and corruption in health along with all other sectors enhanced during this COVID period undermine human right both in public and private sector, she added.
She urged all to raise voice to establish health as the fundamental right in our constitution.
Saheen Anam wondered while as a nation we fought for liberation with four principles, how we are showing power to grab land and rights of indigenous people. It is shame, she commented.
Bashanti Shaha said freedom of expression is our basic right, Digital Security Act is a blatant obstacle and great fear in this regard.
AKM Jashim Uddin said that as a nation while we have respected basic protection to Rohingya, amidst multiple crises, international communities hardly did anything for their repatriation. Now- a- days these international communities are blaming our government and misinterpreting our generosity, he added.
Jahirul Islam Jewel raised the issue of fisher people of islands and how government policy is creating more poverty for them.
Jahirul and Merina Lovely described the pity situation of Barisal and Rangpur divisional hospitals.
Merina described how 1.0 million became newly jobless in Rangpur during COVID period.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said that NGOs should not only be limited in service delivery, they have to raise voice on civil rights and demand mediation, need to create space and continue dialogues at all levels for transformation.