The Defending Human Rights Defenders Network (DHRNS) held its quarterly meeting at the Pabna District Human Rights Monitoring Office (DHRMO) on Tuesday (July 21) morning.
Organized by the Bachte Chai Samaj Unnayan Samity in collaboration with the Human Rights Sanskriti Foundation the event focused on the district’s recent law enforcement environment and the challenges marginalized communities face in accessing legal aid.
Addressing the event as the chief guest District Legal Aid Officer and Senior Civil Judge Md. Azharul Islam emphasized the need for public awareness. “The laws are in place and being implemented but to reap their benefits service recipients must actively come forward,” he said. “Everyone must play a responsible role from their respective positions to establish the rule of law and protect constitutional human rights.”
A major focus of the meeting was a data-driven report presented by District Human Rights Monitoring Officer Kamal Ahmed Siddiqui which recorded 63 separate incidents of human rights violations and law-and-order disruptions across Pabna over the past three months.
DHRNS Project Coordinator Advocate Sufia Hossain delivered the keynote address detailing ongoing project activities while Staff Lawyer Advocate Nahid Shams addressed legal queries from attendees.
During the open discussion Mitul a representative of the transgender (third gender) community, raised a critical grievance regarding government support. Mitul noted that while the community’s data was collected by local Social Service offices they have yet to receive the promised training or grants, effectively depriving them of essential state facilities.
Chaired by Advocate Kamrun Nahar Jolly District Co-Convenor of the Pabna DHRNS, the meeting drew 43 participants. Additional Superintendent of Police Shakhawat Hossain and BLAST Advisor Advocate Alamgir Hossain spoke as special guests. Abdur Rob Montu, Executive Director of Bachte Chai Samaj Unnayan Samity, delivered the welcome address.
The open forum saw participation from a wide cross-section of civil society including educationist Zafar Sadek Chatmohar Press Club President Helalur Rahman Jewel journalists teachers and executives from local NGOs such as YWCA Porshi, Protik, and Suchita.
