Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman LL.M (Hons), MCL (Cum Laude) PGD (Distinction), Dip. in Journalism, Ph.D. Chairman, National Human Rights Commission Bangladesh Introductory Remarks by the Chair Despite formidable challenges, JAMAKON has now grown up into an institution and become the ultimate voice for human rights in the country. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that in Bangladesh there has not been a single institution which, in spite of so many constraints, has accomplished so much; with so little resources has met so high expectations. JAMAKON has transformed itself into the inevitable human rights forum for everyone including the government, non-government human rights organizations, individuals and other stakeholders. Alongside institution building, one major achievement of JAMAKON in the last five years is that it could effectively bring Economic, Social and Cultural Rights into focus a shift in popular perception that helped see human rights beyond the realms of civil and political rights as the only benchmark for measuring human rights situations in the country. On the other hand, JAMAKON believes Civil and Political Rights goes hand in hand with Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. For better realization of the both are required robust political commitment and vigilant citizens. And, vigilance comes from awareness of the people. In the preceding years, awareness building remained the topmost priority of all activities of JAMAKON. There is no denial that the ultimate responsibility to human rights for everyone lies with the State. Even for the government, it is a sheer challenging task to ensure human rights for every citizen of the country. Hence, JAMAKON is ready to extend its cooperation to the government in this regard. At the same time, JAMAKON expects that State, for its own sake, will come forward with due reciprocity to strengthen JAMAKON’s hand. What else could be the reason for having a State other than full realization of human rights? In expectation of a society well aware of human rights values as well as a bright future to look forward to, we do place our faith in Tagore: “Is the dark night over? The eastern sky shows promises of a new morning, Let us wait for the magnificence of light In our life, in our hearts, in the world” Rabindranath Tagore (Translation by Arpeeta S. Mizan)