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Message from BNP Acting Chairman Mr. Tarique Rahman on the Occasion of United Nations Human Rights Day  

Message: 
"The United Nations declared December 10 as ‘Human Rights Day’ in 1950. Since then, this day has been observed every year. The theme for International Human Rights Day 2024 is — ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Now.’  
On this day, reflecting on the theme, I express my deep solidarity with those across the globe who have lost their fundamental rights and endured oppression. At the same time, I reaffirm my commitment to building a just and accountable state system to ensure that no one in Bangladesh or anywhere else in the world is deprived of their fundamental human rights in the future.  
Our nation has endured the dark chapter of prolonged one-party rule, during which rights were violated, democracy was destroyed, and the state system was manipulated for personal empowerment. Those who stood against this tyranny — whether politicians, journalists, students, workers, or ordinary citizens — faced false charges, imprisonment, physical torture, enforced disappearances, and even extrajudicial killings.  
I pay deep respect to those who sacrificed their lives for civil liberties such as freedom of speech, personal freedom, thought, prayer, and the press. I also extend my heartfelt sympathy to those who continusly suffer repression and persecution now.  
Today, we are on a new journey — the journey to restore democracy and protect human rights. Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our future state must ensure the protection of rights for all, with no one subjected to oppression.  
This year’s theme of ‘Human Rights Day’ reminds us that we must stand united against human rights violations. To achieve this, people must become aware, organized, and proactive in establishing a just state system.  
The unjust imprisonment and persecution of our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia, under false charges remain a dark chapter in our history. Her ordeal serves as a stark reminder that resistance against injustice should never cease.  
At this moment, the people of our nation are united. Let us move forward together to establish true democracy while safeguarding human rights. On this Human Rights Day, let this be our unwavering commitment."  

Message Sender  
(Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi)  
Senior Joint Secretary General  
Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP