World This Week: The case for Human Rights
On behalf of Human Rights Alliance Bangladesh (HRAB), Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) and Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Developmen BCHRD played a vital role to make the Program “IHRD-2014” a grand success on 10th December, 2014. There was a big gathering in front of Dhaka National Press Club chanting slogans “Human Rights 365”. They demanded protection of equal rights of all citizens of Bangladesh and full guarantee to live peacefully.
Many participants from different parts of Bangladesh including the victims on the occasion expressed their anguish relating to continuous violations against minorities of Bangladesh. Many Adivashi women and girls attended the meeting and chanted slogans demanding for equal rights in the public life within the State. Some of the victims vehemently argued for not implementing the constitutional rights of citizen in their own country as according to them veteran criminals (perpetrators) will get impunity. They argued, such discrimination endangered the society to establish peace and tranquility in the region.
One of the minority Victims – Ms. Maloti Rani Mondal (40) Hindu wife of Ranjan Chandra Mondal of West Nandipara of Khilgaon Police Station, Dhaka city cried loudly before the Press and begged for the protection of their lives, moveable and immoveable properties.She expressed dis-satisfaction about the working of the law enforcing agencies for not providing her family security and protection during the attack on their houses/temple and ponds. She also expressed concern for not arresting the perpetrators who looted their properties and destroyed their temple rendering them homeless in connection with a Khilgaon P.S. Case No.37(11)14.
Many Human Rights leaders present on the occasion expressed solidarity with the Human Rights Alliance -Bangladesh (HRAB) to strengthen activities at the ground zero level.
Woodrow Wilson High School (WWHS) in Portland (Oregon) is reportedly offering one-of-its-kind Yoga/Mindfulness for credit year-long course, which is said to be very popular.
“…we are fortunate to be able to offer our students a course that incorporates mindful practice and yoga to help with stress management and achieve body awareness, strength and flexibility; improve concentration, focus and attention; find healthy motivation; build confidence and healthy self-expression; and develop conscious, compassionate, communication skills”, school website says.
Calling it a “step in the positive direction”, distinguished Hindu statesman and President of Universal Society of Hinduism Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, suggested all Oregon schools to incorporate yoga in the lives of the students.
Christian-Buddhist-Jewish leaders back Hindus
In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Christian-Buddhist-Jewish leaders have come out to the support of Hindus who were upset at Germany developed Hindu god Shiva themed slot gambling game titled “Shiva”, calling it highly inappropriate.
Reverend Richard L. Smith, a United Church of Christ pastor in Nevada (USA), in a statement, said: I support the protests of Hindus who are offended by the name and image of the god Shiva being used to promote gaming machines. I urge the Gauselmann Company to find another, more respectful approach.
ElizaBeth W. Beyer, Jewish Rabbi in California and Nevada, in a statement, insisted that Gauselmann Group stop using deities revered by millions of Hindu adherents. Religious iconography, such as Lord Shiva, necessitates respectful and thoughtful use. It should not be trivialized on a game, Rabbi Beyer adds.
Developed by Merkur Division of Espelkamp (Germany) headquartered Gauselmann Group, “Shiva” slot gambling machine shows a blue four-armed Lord Shiva with dark red lips carrying damru in one hand. This five-reels and 50 win-lines gambling machine, besides Lord Shiva symbol (which substitutes all symbols) also shows symbols of cobra, Taj Mahal, monkey, etc.
