Staff Correspondent: An Iftar party and discussion meeting was organized by the national human rights organization Lighthouse in a modest yet meaningful atmosphere at an elegant Chinese restaurant in the Katherpul area of Dhaka.
The event was arranged with the aim of increasing awareness about human rights, promoting social justice, and protecting the rights of underprivileged people. Human rights activists, social workers, media personalities, and distinguished citizens from various sectors of the country participated in the program.
The event took place at the Unique Chinese Restaurant and Party Center in the capital. Prior to the Iftar, a discussion session was held where speakers highlighted the importance of protecting human rights and establishing humanitarian values in society. They stated that the collective efforts of the state, civil society, and human rights organizations are essential for building a just and humane society. In particular, they emphasized the need for greater responsibility in ensuring the fundamental rights of marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
The program was presided over by ABM Saifullah, Member Secretary of Lighthouse and a distinguished intellectual, journalist, and media personality. The Chief Guest of the event was Professor Dr. Abdul Alim, Chairman of the Department of Mathematics at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Among the speakers was Ferdous Ahmed Bhuiyan, Convener of Lighthouse and a prominent journalist. In his speech he said,
"Our organization has always maintained an uncompromising stance on the issue of human rights. Standing beside the weak, oppressed, and deprived people of society is our primary mission. Lighthouse is committed to raising social awareness on human rights and building public opinion in favor of justice."
Other speakers at the discussion included Khaja Masum Billah Kawsari, Senior Vice President of Lighthouse and Editor of the daily newspaper Dainik Kaler Kotha; Sabbir Ahmed, International Affairs Secretary of the organization; Advocate Abdullah Al-Mamun, Legal Affairs Secretary; Md. Sirajul Islam; and Dr. Delowar Jahan Imran, among others.
Speakers at the meeting emphasized the universal values of human rights, noting that human rights are not merely a legal concept but also the foundation of human dignity, justice, and social equality. They added that if awareness of human rights can be created at every level of society, injustice, discrimination, and oppression can be significantly reduced.
In his remarks, Senior Vice President Khaja Masum Billah Kawsari stated,
"Standing beside disadvantaged people and ensuring their fundamental human rights is the primary goal and objective of our organization. Lighthouse has been working tirelessly to raise public awareness about human rights at the national level and to protect the rights of deprived communities."
The event was moderated by Md. Khalilur Rahman.
Human rights activists attending the Iftar expressed their commitment to spreading the values of justice, compassion, and humanity in society through mutual dialogue and cooperation. They noted that a just and tolerant society can be established if humanitarian values are strengthened among citizens and respect for human rights is increased.
At the conclusion of the program, the guests highly appreciated the initiative taken by Lighthouse and expressed their hope that such activities promoting human rights and social justice would continue in the future.