The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) organized a three-day workshop on human rights fact-finding skills at the NGO Forum Auditorium in Lalmatia, Dhaka.
Advocate Saidur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MSF, inaugurated the event on Monday morning, outlining the training's core objectives to the participating human rights defenders.
The workshop aimed to equip 27 human rights and media workers from Bangladesh's northern, southern, and eastern regions with essential, on-the-ground investigative skills.
Comprehensive Training Modules The first day focused on legal and conceptual frameworks. Md. Zahid Hossain, UN Bangladesh Human Rights Officer, discussed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international civil rights covenants. Nazneen Shabnam, Coordinator of MSF’s Empower Her Project, addressed the intersection of gender and human rights, while Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Khalid Hossain Sarkar detailed domestic laws aimed at preventing violence against women and children.
On the second day, the focus shifted to practical field skills. Partha Saha, Assistant News Editor at Prothom Alo, led sessions on mission planning and interviewing techniques. Advocate Nahid Shams trained participants on evidence collection and review, while Advocate Saidur Rahman shared strategic fact-finding approaches.
The final day features Sajjad Hossain, Senior Reporter at Daily Ittefaq, who will instruct attendees on documentation, report writing, and maintaining physical and digital security in the field. The workshop will conclude with a certificate distribution ceremony.
Advocate Nahid Shams, Chief Coordinator of MSF, supervised the program, assisted by Tahsin Ruma, Tahera, and Saifuddin.
Participants expressed optimism that the training will enhance their ability to conduct impartial field investigations. By accurately identifying survivors and documenting abuses, grassroots defenders hope to ensure victims receive proper legal assistance and fair justice.
