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Saturday, November 12, 2pm
Photos from the event
The Launch Program
The Advocates are a student organization at Harvard Law School that engages students in human rights-related projects worldwide, and assists human rights lawyers and practitioners abroad in practical ways.
Despite heavy rain, strong winds and low temperatures, the launch event was well attended. The audience comprised of a diverse background of individuals from various countries and cultures. Additionally, the audience members came from a variety of professions, educational backgrounds and interests.
Professor Sugata Bose, Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University, addressed the audience as the Keynote Speaker. He spoke of his personal connection with Bangladesh, the role of the Liberation War of 1971 during his own formative years, and stressed on the need for balanced projection of arenas in which Bangladesh is making advancements in leaps and strides.
Mr. Anis Ahmed, Broadcaster at Voice of America, Washington, DC, was the Special Guest Speaker to the event. Mr. Ahmed spoke of the politicization of religion, and the need for in-depth understanding of the current situation afoot before effective measures can be taken to ensure protection of human rights in Bangladesh.
Following the keynote speech, a photo-essay was presented. The photo essay included a compilation of photographs of Bangladesh and Bangladeshi people. Photographs were contributed by Fariba Alam from New York City, Alok from Bangladesh, and Yousuf Hashim, a photographer from Malaysia. The photo-essay was one of the main highlights of the event, depicting the need for civil involvement in safeguarding human rights in Bangladesh. The DP Boston team followed the photo essay with several presentations, highlighting the unique role of Drishtipat, the organization’s past projects and achievements, and where the organization is headed in the future.
A 5 minute clip of Muslims or Heretics was screened. A widely-acclaimed documentary film supported by Drishtipat, Naeem Mohaiemen's "Muslims or Heretics" explores the plight of the persecuted Ahmadiyya community in Bangladesh. This film has been screened all over the world, including the Amnesty International Film Festival and the House of Lords in the UK.
To conclude the event, the DP Boston team addressed the audience with detailed information about working with the local chapter, and informed the audience on the various levels they can be involved with the chapter. As its central guiding theme, the Boston chapter will explore the ways in which education and technical training can be used as a tool to aassist victims of human rights violations and social injustice, through professional rehabilitation.
Please email us at info@boston.drishtipat.org to share your ideas, inspiration and enthusiasm!
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