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Created: 29 March 2026

Step to Humanity Bangladesh Emphasizes Upholding Rule of Law and Human Rights During Independence Day Discussion

On the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day 2026, a virtual discussion meeting organized by Step to Humanity Bangladesh was held in Dhaka on the night of Saturday, March 28. During the event, special emphasis was placed on establishing the rule of law, upholding human rights, and strengthening democratic values ​​within the country.

Delivering the keynote address as the chief guest was veteran expatriate journalist, writer, and freedom fighter Delwar Jahid. He paid deep homage to all the heroic martyrs of the Liberation War and expressed his hope that their sacrifices and tales of valor would remain forever indelible in the nation's history.

Delwar Jahid observed that recent shifts in the country's political landscape—coupled with various untoward incidents involving violence, killings, looting, rape, and arson—have placed unprecedented pressure on the law and order situation. He noted that a deficit in responsibility and accountability is tarnishing the country's image in the international arena. He further stated that the united initiatives of human rights organizations, coordinated activities, and the active participation of a conscious civil society could assist the government in addressing this situation and play a pivotal role in restoring stability to the nation.

Participating in the discussion, Dr. Anwar Jahid—Registrar of Pundra University in Bogura and former Director of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD)—recommended adopting various organizational measures to expand the activities of Step to Humanity Bangladesh to the grassroots level. He placed particular emphasis on inspiring the younger generation with the ideals of human rights and democratic values.

The event was presided over by Dr. Kamrul Hasan—son of martyred intellectual Principal Sadik, former Director of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), and President of Step to Humanity Bangladesh.

Other participants in the discussion included journalist Khairul Ahsan Manik (UNB), Vice President of Step to Humanity Bangladesh; journalist Sajjad Hossain (BSS), son of a freedom fighter; Firoz Mia, Editor of *Daily Bhorer Suryoday*; women's rights activist Nasima Akter, former Director of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development; and journalist Shamsul Habib (*Jugantor*). Saifur Hasan, Cyber ​​Security Officer; expatriate businessman Shakhawat Iqbal; and Engineer Ivana Hossain.

The speakers expressed their resolve to work collectively—upholding the spirit of the Liberation War—to establish human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and called for further expansion of the activities of 'Step to Humanity Bangladesh'.

The event was moderated by Engineer Ivana Hossain.

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Created: 19 August 2025

Even while living abroad, the fragrance of one’s homeland—Bangladesh—remains close to the heart. That sentiment was beautifully reflected during “Journey to Success,” a vibrant community gathering held on August 16 at Roundel Park in North Edmonton.

The lively event, hosted at Stall Area No. 3 of the park, drew more than 300 participants from over 100 families. The day was filled with activities, including a children’s painting competition, cultural programs, and opportunities for community engagement.

Speeches and Leadership

The program began with an opening speech by Abdul Haque Shamim, President of the organization. Community leaders and special guests—including Dr. Rafat Alam, Dr. Nazma Akhter, and others—shared their thoughts on building unity and fostering inclusion.

In Canada, the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to community life, ensuring fair treatment and participation for all, especially those historically marginalized. Reflecting this spirit, the event also introduced two Muslim candidates for the upcoming Edmonton City Council elections.

A special highlight was the participation of Muktijuddha Delwar Jahid, veteran journalist and editor of Diverse Edmonton, who encouraged children in their drawing competition and inspired families with words of support.

Sponsors and Supporters

The event was made possible through the generous support of community sponsors:

Duke Hassan, Realtor

Prime Physio – Shariful Islam

Iqra and BD Mart Grocery – Din Islam

J2S President, Abul Haque Shamim

At the introduction phase, Sheikh Bassam Parez and councilor candidate Professor Dr. Farhan Mujahid also addressed the gathering.

Upcoming Community Projects

During her speech, project coordinator Dr. Nazma Akhter announced the launch of new initiatives, highlighting programs to strengthen education, wellness, and community spirit. These include:

Sunday School

Annual Conference

Menstrual Hygiene Awareness (for adults, youth, and children)

Camping Trips

Family Retreats

Hiking Programs

Football Matches

Badminton Tournaments

Annual Picnic

Physical Wellness Initiatives

Community Cleanliness Drives

Charity and Fundraising Projects

Annual Awards Gala Night

Picnic Highlights

The picnic brought families together with unique attractions such as:

Children’s Art & Drawing Displays

Traditional Snacks like Jhalmuri and Chanachur

Special Malai Tea

Fun, games, and shared laughter

✨ The Journey to Success event not only celebrated Bangladeshi heritage but also highlighted the values of inclusion, community building, and cultural pride—keeping the homeland’s spirit alive in Edmonton’s vibrant diaspora.

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Created: 06 November 2024

The interim government is on the path of silencing and depoliticizing the media - party-free elections are the only goal.

Delwar Zahid

In recent weeks, Bangladesh's interim government has taken alarming steps to stifle independent journalism and remove politics from public discourse. Only a free, fair, and transparent electoral process will restore public confidence as the nation prepares for the upcoming elections. This is essential to prevent the erosion of democratic values and ensure that citizens can freely express their voices in determining the country's future.

BNP's stance towards democratic process and national legacy

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has shown awareness of the precarious situation facing the country's democracy. Although the student-led protests have changed public sentiment, the underlying issues have not been resolved. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, supported by leaders like Mirza Abbas, insisted that invoking the concept of a "second independence" under a Ziaur Rahman-style figure undermined the true legacy of the nation's liberation war. BNP leaders have rightly warned the interim government of the danger of dishonoring Bangladesh's historic freedom struggle.

Furthermore, Abbas spoke of the need to press for transparent elections. He warned that the people would not tolerate an unelected, extended government without a clear commitment to democratic principles. He called for dismissing politically motivated cases against opposition leaders as a gesture of justice and fairness. This move demonstrates the BNP's commitment to upholding democratic integrity and unity in Bangladesh and sends a critical message about the consequences of their stance on the erosion of the democratic process.

Increasing mob violence and the role of the interim government

On August 5, calls were made to counter the growing wave of mob violence across the country. Born out of demands for free speech and equality, the so-called "mass uprising" has turned into aggressive protests driven by fear and intimidation. From protests over test results to violent demands for change in judicial and political leadership, Bangladesh has witnessed an alarming shift towards Janata rule. This pattern of violence, supported by hidden agendas within the current government, is particularly troubling because it reflects a breakdown in order.

While the violence is widespread even in educational institutions - where incidents of harassment against teachers and students continue - the administration has shown limited response. Instead, student groups operate under the guise of maintaining security, furthering a culture of fear. Such violent disruptions have intensified calls for a responsible government response, possibly including deploying external security forces, to restore order. Without such intervention, the upcoming elections will risk instability and intimidation, undermining public confidence.

Editors' Council: Defending Press Freedom

Bangladesh Editors' Council has expressed deep concern about press freedom. Despite the government's commitment to protect journalistic freedom, newspapers face significant intimidation. Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, prominent newspapers, have faced threats, protests, and calls for increased security, revealing the severity of the current climate.

The Council condemned what it described as "mob trials," where groups try to intimidate and silence media outlets. Such tactics are not only an insult to journalism but also a direct attack on democratic principles. In an urgent appeal, the editorial board called on the government to intervene and ensure that the media can operate freely. They insist that disagreements with the press should be resolved through debate, not threats, violence, or coercion. The Council's position is clear: a commitment to press freedom is essential to upholding democratic values.

The President (Writer) of Bangladesh North American Journalists Network has called for an international investigation into the allegations of physical abuse and remand by showing arrests in various lawsuits, including mass cancellation of accreditation cards of professional journalists and murder cases of journalists without following the conventional legal process.

Upholding the core features of modern governance: At its core, a modern government should be defined by transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Effective management requires a system prioritizing public service delivery, open communication, and adaptable policies. Governments that embrace these qualities can maintain public confidence, provide stability, and increase resilience to challenges. Bangladesh's interim government must adopt these policies to gain legitimacy, especially in the upcoming elections, where the people demand an administration that represents them.

As Bangladesh navigates these tumultuous times, the interim government must adhere to democratic values, particularly by ensuring an environment where the media can operate freely, without opposition.