NHRC. Nonetheless, even in ultra- vires cases, NHRC never fails to give the necessary instruction and advice to the aggrieved person for resorting to the proper forum. We would never claim that we are cent percent successful at solving the problems. At times the government office or agency resorts to the time-killing strategy, on other occasions they remain silent despite being sent reminders after reminders by the Commission. But the situation is gradually changing and at present, more than at any time before, NHRC is being increasingly given importance. But even then it cannot be claimed that every complainant and every complain are being resolved satisfactorily. In spite of that we do feel a sense of satisfaction, not in the least because of a comment from one of the complainants visiting our office. In her own words: “Sir may be my grievance won't be remedied, maybe I shall not be benefitted. May be you won't be able to do anything, but nonetheless, I have no regrets! Had I not come here, I would have never known that even I am also a human being, that even I also possess dignity. You have treated me with dignity, and I am satisfied with that!” For any Institution, is it not a colossal achievement? 15.approaching the end of the tenure, we want to claim that the NHRC has given an auspicious start to the protection of the human rights of the people of Bangladesh. However, there is no scope to be complacent. The bulk of our statutory obligations and objectives as defined in the Five year Strategic plan is yet to be fulfilled. We have miles to go crossing mountainous impediments, but we are not deterred. We believe that, yes, we can. At the very first 10 meeting with just demised President, Md. Zillur Rahman, the President told the Commission that, “Please never forget that Bangladesh is the fruit of human rights, therefore there can be no such institution in Bangladesh which can take precedence to or reside above the National Human Rights Commission.” This statement by the late president gives us immense courage, encouragement and reinforcement on our journey. We have no choice but to establish a human rights culture. Victory shall be ours! 16. But the self-seeking quarters has and shall always create hindrance in our way- fundamentalist brandishing, communal riots and attitude, hate speech, impeding the trial of the perpetrators of the crimes against humanity, irrational, unfounded and illogical criticism of the NHRC and questioning its activities- all these have to be overcome for the sake of the State which came into being in order to ensure “equality, social justice and respect for human dignity” of its people. In that State, NHRC is firmly determined to hoist the flag of human rights in full mast. We do believe: “Do not get afraid of the clouds, The sun does shine beneath its veil; The smile of the lost moon, Does return but in the darkness.” —Rabindranath Tagore (Translated by: Arpeeta Shams Mizan) Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman Chairman National Human Rights Commision, Bangladesh