FORUM-ASIA organised its first Global Advocacy Learning Programme (GALP) on Human Rights and Development in Thailand on 19-25 November 2017. Prior to the event, participants were asked to submit case studies on specific issues related to human rights or development, with a particular focus on the role played by civil society organisations in addressing the [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 13 August 2018) The President of Bangladesh, H.E. Md Abdul Hamid Bangladesh: Release all those arbitrarily arrested and investigate police abuse Dear President Hamid, We are writing to express our concerns about serious violations of civic freedoms perpetrated during recent protests in Bangladesh. We urge your government to take immediate steps to address these [ Read more ]

(Bangladesh/Kathmandu, 9 August 2018) – The Asian forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the unlawful arrest of Shahidul Alam, a well-known photographer and social activist in Bangladesh. Alam, who founded the Drik Photo Gallery, was arrested shortly after he posted on Facebook about the ongoing protests for road safety in Dhaka. Alam had [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA member from Bangladesh, Odhikar, published its monthly human rights monitor report. The July 2018 report focuses on the following: Hindrance to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression Extrajudicial killings Public lynching and death in jail Enforced disappearances Freedom of the media Repressive laws Prison conditions Workers’ rights Promotion of Child Marriages by the [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 4 August 2018) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the excessive use of force and violence against the student protestors in Dhaka, who have been demanding safer roads. FORUM-ASIA urges the authorities to take urgent measures to protect their rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, and restore law [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 6 July 2018) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the violent treatment of student protestors and teachers of universities across Bangladesh. While the protests and violence started in April, the situation has further escalated in the last few days. They are protesting the Government’s decision on a quota system, [ Read more ]

3 July 2018 Quota Reform Movement: Immediately arrest the Chhatra League perpatrators; reform the quota! Odhikar would like to express its immense concern and condemnation regarding the horrific attacks by the Chhatra League leaders have unleashed on students protesting for the reformation of the quota on government jobs, since 30 June 2018; along with the [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA member Odhikar of Bangladesh has published its half-yearly human rights monitoring report. The report looks at the human rights situation in Bangladesh for the period between January 2018 and June 2018, with focus on: State Repression and Impunity; Public Lynching; ‘Extremism’; Dysfunctional State Institutions; Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Media; Workers’ Rights; [ Read more ]

38th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Oral Statement Delivered by Emmanuel Amistad on behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Wednesday, 20 June 2018 Mr. President, FORUM-ASIA welcomes [ Read more ]

June 20, 2018 Honorable Kazi Reazul Hoque Chairperson National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh BTMC Bhaban (8 th Floor) 7-9 Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave, Kawran Bazar, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh [email protected] [email protected] Re: Open Letter to the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh regarding Rights of Rohingya Refugees Dear Honorable Chairperson, Today, on the occasion of the [ Read more ]