UNHR Commissioner discussed BD Students Coordinator at Dhaka University
A discussion session with students took place at the University of Dhaka with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. On Tuesday, October 29, the High Commissioner visited the University of Dhaka, where he observed the graffiti of the July-August uprising on campus. Later, he attended a discussion session at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Hall with students who were coordinators of the student movements leading up to the 24th uprising.
He said, The students and faculty of Dhaka University have a long, rich history of activism – mobilising powerfully over the past 80 years for independence, freedom of expression and language rights, for equal representation – and against military rule. And now, for democracy, accountability, and equality. As your distinguished Professor, Serajul Islam Chowdhury, once observed, this university has encouraged people to not only dream about freedom and equality, but to take action to move that dream closer to reality.
Mentioning the recent demonstration in July August he told, Together with other students from both private and public universities, from madrasas, colleges and schools, together with people from across the country you have shown great courage in standing up for justice and equality for the people of Bangladesh.So I am truly honoured to be speaking here today – at a pivotal time, and in a symbolic place.
He admired their bravery, I am humbled and inspired by your stories of bravery, resilience, solidarity, and commitment to human rights.Students helping injured demonstrators. Rickshaw drivers risking their lives to assist the protesters. Women leaders who broke the locks on their dormitories, shattered stereotypes, took to the streets to protest and inspired millions.
He aslo noticed, I also want to recognize the terrible price paid by many protestors and bystanders – including your friends and classmates – who were killed or seriously wounded. Many will be left with long-term disabilities. Hundreds were hit in the head and eyes including by pellets, and might lose vision forever. Many are still undergoing treatment and I wish them all a swift and complete recovery.
HRWH inspired and uttered Our presence here today, marking a new beginning for Bangladesh, is a testament to their courage and a memorial to their sacrifice.
He also recalled her University life, As a university student in Austria, many years ago, I learned how human rights could transform societies for the better. This simple but powerful idea has guided my life and career ever since – and it resonates strongly with me here, today.
He also focused his struggling time and studies, We live in troubling times, when conflicts rage, international law is abused, human rights are trampled, and our world is more unequal than ever. Too often, our economies prioritise profit over people and the planet. And polarization and corruption are combining with rampant disinformation to weaken democracy globally.
UNHR Commissioner called, Young people, everywhere, are facing a tumultuous world, filled with deepening inequality and ongoing economic crises and uncertainty. Your present and future are being threatened by climate chaos that is becoming more destructive and ferocious every day. For much of your lives, destructive and corrupt politics entrenched an economy of inequality, irrespective of who was in charge. Political opposition, civic dissent and peaceful protest were suppressed, often violently. Atrocious violations – like extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions and torture – were met with denial and impunity.
Volker Turk remarked,Prosperity, opportunity, decision-making, and equality were off limits for many people. And young people struggled in specific ways. Many were marginalized and disenfranchised, without access to quality education and jobs.But earlier this year, you seized the moment to put your country on a different pathway.
He also dreams for the nation and told, Bangladesh now has an historic opportunity to renew and revitalise a genuine democracy. To deliver deep reform. To start a process of truth, justice and healing. To ensure that the benefits of development are enjoyed by all people. And to rebuild your country on a foundation of equality – where every voice is heard and valued, irrespective of class, gender, race, political ideology or religion.
He aspects on young gus to lead the nation and said,t is young people who have led the way.
This is emblematic of a truth I see all around the world.While global leaders play politics with your future, young people are showing true leadership.
He took inspiration from your commitment to democracy and human rights. Keep it at the forefront of your struggle and lives.
I stand together with all of you, as you look to build a more equal, more inclusive, and more just Bangladesh for all.
SM/SR