DHAKA, Dec 10, 2024 (BSS) - Academics and rights activists at a discussion today underscored the need for prioritizing human rights related to internet access, cyber security and environment, along with ensuring fundamental rights, in the constitutional reform process.

"Human rights related to fundamental rights, uninterrupted internet service, environmental protection and cyber security should get priority in the constitutional reform process," said Constitutional Reform Commission member Prof Muhammad Ekramul Haque at the discussion.

Marking the International Human Rights Day, a colorful rally and a discussion titled 'Human Rights in Bangladesh's Constitutional Reform Process: Bridging Theory and Practice' were jointly organized by the United Nations and Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) at the Liberation War Museum Auditorium in Agargaon here.

Addressing the discussion, Prof Ekramul said, "Today we are able to speak freely; it is easy to raise our voice. The craftsmen behind this are the students and the common people of the country. We are grateful to them".

"We have to think about how to include the youth, who led the movements of 52, 71, 90, and 24, and their views in the constitution so that the youth's enthusiasm can get reflected in the constitution," he added.
He said, "The rights we get as human beings are human rights. It is inappropriate to think that the United Nations or the state will give us the rights".

Member of the inquiry commission on enforced disappearances and noted rights activist Nur Khan Liton said, "We observed Human Rights Day many times before, but today the scenario is completely different. It has been possible due to the sacrifices of thousands of students and common people".

Jagannath University Associate Professor Dr. Shahidul Islam presented the keynote speech in the discussion.

He said, "During the previous government, people were thrown on railway tracks, injected with injections, cut into pieces and stuffed into cement bags, killed in crossfires, and thrown into rivers by intelligence agencies, RAB, or other forces for opposing the autocratic government."

"There will be differences of opinion in society. But we want a society that will be free from oppression and torture", he added.
HRSS Chairman Barrister Shahzada Al Amin Kabir, social activist Syed Abdullah, Senior Human Rights Adviser of UN Resident Coordinator's Office Huma Khan also addressed the discussion moderated by HRSS Program Officer Md. Saiful Islam.