4.2 Honorable Prime Minister Attends Human Rights Day Observance Program NHRC observed the Human Rights Day 2019 in a befitting manner throughout the country. This year Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, MP graced the program for the first time as the Chief Guest. Her presence created new momentum in the history of NHRC. In her speech, she recalled her election manifesto in which there is AL’s commitment to strengthen the commission. She also assured that the process of strengthening the Commission will continue. She stated it is natural that human rights will be violated repeatedly if the government tolerates any injustice and crime. Government would establish human rights in the country through ensuring the trial of all the incidents of human rights violations. She further added, “All we need most is to ensure the rule of law for establishing human rights. Criminals have to face punishment, no matter who they are,. this is our decision, and we are working as per the decision.” Drive against drugs, terrorism, militancy and corruption was going on as these destroy a society. So, the resistance should come first from the society against these menaces... this is urgently needed to create awareness among the people. Government has enacted various human rights-related laws and amended many others while strengthening the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).” Anisul Huq, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Nasima Begum, ndc, Chairman, NHRC, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo and NHRC Full Time Member Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed also spoke at the meeting. Hon’ble Prime Minister and all the guests unitedly voiced the commitment ‘We Protect Human Rights’ at the event. This year, the day was observed in all the divisions, districts and upazillas. NHRC organized awareness rally around the country on the day to reach out to the mass people. In Dhaka, the inaugural program was organised in collaboration with HRP-UNDP in Pan Pacific Sonargaon. The theme of the day was ‘Youth Standing for Human Rights’. A theme song written by Chairman of NHRC Nasima Begum, ndc and a documentary was aired in Electronic media on the day. The objective of the event was to spread the human rights awareness among people and to recall the spirit of the UDHR. It brought together around 700 participants from Government agencies, UN agencies, INGOs, NGOs, CSOs, development partners, human rights activist, national experts, academicians, researchers and media personnel. 27