Human Rights Day will be observed in the country like elsewhere in the world marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10 in 1948.

This year, the Human Rights Day marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being — regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, according a message of the United Nations (UN) issued ahead of the day. Different organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and UN Secretary-General Ant›nio Guterres issued messages on the eve of the day and wished success of all the programmes.

In his message, President Abdul Hamid said the constitution of Bangladesh ensures all internationally recognised human rights.

The government has constituted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) aiming at protecting the rights of all and developing the human rights at all levels, he said, adding that as an independent and neutral body, the NHRC is playing an active role in protecting human rights.

This year, Bangladesh was elected a member of UN Human Rights Council for three years, the President said. “I think it is an international recognition to Bangladesh’s efforts of protecting human rights in the country.”