NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION physically challenged citizens. The Commission strongly believe all these efforts to protect human rights will strengthen the nation as a whole. Any kind of discrimination (except positive discrimination) is specific violation of human rights. Both the Bangladesh independence declaration of April 10, 1971 and the Bangladesh Constitution are considered powerful protectors in this regard. It is a matter of great hope that every effort is taken to impede discrimination currently in Bangladesh. Efforts under the amended Vested Property Act, for example, to return property to the original proprietor aim to reverse the tide of decades of discrimination, and will reignite efforts to build peace and religious harmony in society. In addition, the term ‘monga’ (famine) has become something of the past now due to actions taken by the Government. All of these forward-looking steps inspire hope, though by themselves do not ensure the dream of the Bangladesh war of liberation where ‘equity, social justice and human dignity’ will be protected and upheld. The way forward requires democracy to be alive, so that the dream of 1971 is not interrupted. The Commission notes some positive developments vis-à-vis political and civil rights during the reporting period. Toward the end of 2011, it was evident that the number of extra judicial killings was down from earlier in the year. The issue of custodial torture has deeply troubled the Commission, and there was also some success in stemming the tide of abuse through bringing the issue to the attention of the High Court. The NHRC is optimistic that progress will continue in these areas so that no actions offensive to the dignity of citizens will be taken by the Government or any of its representatives or agencies. The NHRC this year has firmly established its presence both nationally and in the international community. It is notable that this Commission secured international recognition--within quite a short time period-through accreditation by the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) and became a member of the prestigious regional body, the Asia Pacific Forum (APF). These acknowledgments by the regional and international human rights community came as a result of the Commission’s commitment and active engagement in carrying out its mandate. These dual recognitions will enhance the image and reputation of Bangladesh as a nation determined to uphold and protect human rights. While recognizing some significant achievements over the course of 2011, the Commission certainly cannot become complacent. The ICC accreditation awarded to the NHRC was with ‘B’ status. In order to achieve ‘A’ status, the Commission must work toward ensuring its reputation as an independent body, which will require unflagging efforts to be independent in principle and in practice and to rise above any fears or threats which can interfere with the pursuit of Commission mandates. The support and cooperation of the Government is very much indispensible in this regard. The Government must be more proactive in taking necessary steps to implement NHRC r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s . M o r e o v e r, t h e Commission should be viewed by the Government not as an opponent but as a catalyst for good governance. Bearing this in mind, the allocation of sufficient human and financial resources to empower the Commission will send a clear message that the state is truly dedicated to its duty to safeguard the human rights of its citizens. If any citizen is killed by the state without any recourse, human rights are violated. If any citizen dies from lack of proper medical treatment, human rights are invisible. If any citizen suffers from hunger, human rights are offended. If any individual lives in fear or terror, where are human rights? The nation of Bangladesh came into its very existence in order to uphold and protect human dignity. Let us not forget that if the state fails to serve its citizens, the state takes on the character of a common criminal. In the words of Nobel 07