DHAKA, Dec 9, 2021 (BSS) - Human Rights Day will be observed in the country like elsewhere in the world marking the 73rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10 in 1948.

  Different organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day with the theme 'Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights'.

  President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day, wishing all programmes of the day a success.

  In his message, the President said under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all internationally recognized human rights were guaranteed in the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh with the aim of establishing equality, justice and human dignity.

  "The Constitution of Bangladesh has fully complied with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," he added.

  The government constituted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2009 as an independent and neutral institution aiming at protecting and developing the human rights, the President said.

  Abdul Hamid appreciated the NHRC for taking an initiative to organize an essay writing competition on "Liberation War, Independence and Human Values" marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation and golden jubilee of the country's independence this year along with with observing the day. 

  He urged the NHRC to intensify its overall activities from the center to the grassroots level so that the people become more aware of their rights and receive assistance from the commission regarding human rights.

  In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "On the auspicious occasion of the International Human Rights Day, I, on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh, join the international community in reiterating our unflinching commitment to the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedom of all people as enshrined in the UDHR".

   Since its adoption in 1948, the UDHR continues to be the guiding principle for the promotion and protection of inviolable human rights and human dignity, she said, adding over the years, the declaration laid the foundation for many milestone documents and numerous international treaties. 

  "We have made remarkable progress in the advancement of human rights," the premier said.

  However, atrocities still plague the conscience of humankind, Sheikh Hasina said, adding the decade-long persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar or the painful sufferings of the Palestinian people is only a few examples of gross violation of human rights. 

  Noting that the emergence of new challenges like climate crisis has detrimental impacts on the enjoyment of people's fundamental rights, she said the pandemic COVID-19 has further exacerbated the situation with growing inequality and exclusion. 

  "The inequality and politicization with regard to access to the vaccine have further undermined the basic tenants of human rights. Against this backdrop, this year's theme, 'Equality - Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights,' is very relevant," the premier added. 

  Mentioning that human rights and fundamental freedom are the core values that Bangladesh firmly stands for, she said the painful experiences and trauma "we went through during our heroic struggle during the War of Liberation in 1971" constantly motivate us to adhere to universal human rights principles. 

  "Our abiding commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights is shaped by the ideals of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who, as a champion of human rights, dedicated his whole life to establishing the rights of the toiling masses," Sheikh Hasina said. 

  The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees the human rights of all citizens irrespective of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, she added. 

  "Our commitment to upholding human rights and fundamental freedom has been manifested in our adherence to all major human rights instruments," the premier said. 

  As a state party to these instruments, Bangladesh is relentlessly working to ensure equality, justice, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedom, political, economic and social rights of all its citizens, she continued. 

  "Through the legal framework, implementation of people-centric policies and establishment of strong institutional mechanisms, we are safeguarding the rights of our people. Human Rights remain an integral part of our pandemic response plan," the premier said.

  On this auspicious commemoration of International Human Rights Day, she said urged all to work together to establish an equal, inclusive, peaceful and more prosperous world for all".