ANNUAL REPORT 2011 state, and for this reason the state cannot be considered liable. Nonetheless, the NHRC recognizes and has stated repeatedly that a deteriorating law and order situation will likely have a tremendous negative influence on the human rights situation. It is thus the Government’s responsibility to ensure that the state of law and order remains above an acceptable minimum level. The work of a human rights commission can be daunting in a country like Bangladesh where half of the population is not acquainted with the term “human rights”. Even for those have heard the term, the NHRC learnt through its baseline survey of 2011 that most of them have no idea what it means. Therefore, the Commission has placed priority on education and awareness-raising activities for the public about human rights and implementing such plans will continue into the future. From this perspective, 2011 can be regarded as a good beginning for human rights awareness efforts by the Commission. Following the political plot and brutal killing in 1975 of the Father of the Nation, his family members and the murder of four national leaders, the way the then-government leaders rewarded the killers created a ‘culture of impunity’ which is harmful to the rule of law in any country and plainly contradicts any measures to foster a culture of humanity. The NHRC firmly believes that it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that crimes against humanity committed during the Liberation War are prosecuted in order to establish the rule of law. Such a crucial responsibility of the state cannot be ignored. From this perspective, the Commission has extended its utmost support to the ongoing War Crimes Tribunal in the country. At the same time, the Commission strongly urges the authorities concerned to place special emphasis on upholding international standards and transparency 06 throughout the process. The NHRC itself continues to keep careful watch over the trial process. Though this report is based on the events of 2011, the Commission received a substantial number of complaints of human rights violations that took place a decade ago, in 2001. These incidents were gruesome, brutal, and tragic, representing flagrant human rights abuses. All of these complaints were linked to events surrounding the 2001 parliamentary elections which resulted in broad-based human rights violations. While the NHRC sincerely intended to take up these complaints, the matters are cases currently pending before the courts, and per the 2009 Act the Commission cannot take the issues as such under its cognizance. The Commission truly regrets the inability to pursue any effective remedies for the complainants. However, the NHRC has strongly advised the Government to compensate victims. It believes the state must take responsibility to speed up trials to ensure justice and relieve the physical and mental suffering of many helpless victims Amidst the ongoing global economic recession, the Government’s actions to extend the social safety net of allowances for widows, the elderly and freedom fighters has inspired the Commission to remain true to its philosophy and priorities regarding the welfare of citizens in spite of difficult financial realities. The Commission maintains that a state respectful of human rights must remain committed to taking special responsibility for two types of citizens: (1) children and those who have yet to start working; and (2) the elderly, physically challenged, and others who cannot work. Moreover, to the extent that social safety net coverage expands, so citizens’ socio-economic rights will be effectively protected. The NHRC is pleased to note the Government’s efforts to enact legislation protecting rights of autistic children and other