It was pointed out in the roundtable that some of the strategic analysts called on the government and the international community as well with a view to pursue that they wholeheartedly try to convince Beijing to resolve the Rohingya crisis. International Conference on SDGs and Human Rights was organized NHRCB in collaboration with HRP-UNDP organized an international conference titled ‘Sustainable Development Goals and Human Rights’ at Le Meridian Dhaka. At the beginning of the conference, a message from Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was read out. The massage expressed the premier’s conviction on establishing human rights and the initiatives that the government has taken against violation of human rights. She also appreciated NHRCB for its contribution towards promotion and protection of human rights in the country as an independent state-run institution. Mr. Anisul Huq, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, was the chief guest while Abul Kalam Azad, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office presented the keynote paper in the conference. H.E Charlotta Schlyter, ambassador, Embassy of Sweden, H.E René Holenstein, ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland, Sudipto Mukerjee, Country Director, UNDP Bangladesh attended the program as special guests. Addressing the roundtable, Honorable Minister said, “Government has been working according to a long-term planning focused on sustainable development goals. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina always prefers research-based development activities to ensure rights of all citizens. International recognitions like UN MDG Award and Champions of Earth may symbolize the country’s progress in the field of human rights-based development”. He also urged that private sector would cooperate and support government in attaining SDGs following the public-private partnership models. Awareness Raising Workshops in District Levels This Year NHRCB organized awareness raising workshops in Habiganj, Sylhet, Moulobhibazar, Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Chadpur, Barguna, Patuakhali and Pabna. The aim of these workshops was to create awareness among mass people on human rights and National Human Rights Commission. Observance of Women’s Day 2018 NHRC jointly with HRP- UNDP organized a discussion followed by Cultural Programme on the occasion of International Women’s’ Day 2018 on 08 March at Krishibid Institute. Women from different occupation as well as CSOs attended the discussion. Advocate Anisul Hoque MP, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs attended the program as Chief Guest. Kazi Reazul Hoque, Chairman of NHRC chaired the discussion. Special Guests were Abu Saleh Sk. Md. Zahirul Hoque, Secretary, Law and Justice Division; Nomita Halder, Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment; Md. Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Secretary In-Charge, Ministry of Information; Afroza Khan, Secretary In-Charge, Ministry of Labor and Employments; DC of Victim Support Center. Annual Report-2018 29

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