ASF programmes on Int'l Women's Day

This was announced by ASF Executive Director Munira Rahman at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city yesterday.

Munira said, "Bringing out a men's rally on the day is one of the main campaigns of our foundation. The active participation of men in the rally in 2002 inspired the government to enact a law to prevent acid violence."

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"This year, we have chalked out a two-day programmes to be participated by the government and non-government organisations, civil societies, doctors' associations, legal professionals, cultural bodies and mass media. The programmes include drama, cultural function and rally," she added.

Munira said the programmes are aimed to help implement the laws related to prevention of acid violence and ensure their equal rights in the society.

As part of the programmes, a cultural function will be held in front of the Teachers Students Centre of Dhaka University at 4:30pm today.

A men's rally under the theme 'Men promise no more acid throwing: justice and good governance can stop acid violence' will be taken out from the Central Shaheed Minar tomorrow. It will be inaugurated by Poet Shamsur Rahman at 2:30pm.

At the end of the rally at the National Press Club, a declaration would be read out. It will be followed by a one-minute speech by each of the 15 speakers including Dr S M A Faiz, vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, Boshir, an acid survivor, Dr Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, executive director of Brac, A F Hassan Arif, attorney general, Abdul Awal Mintu, president of FBCCI, Reaz Uddin Ahmed, president of National Press Club, and Habibul Bashar, captain of Bangladesh Cricket Team.

Brac, Care Bangladesh, Hunger Project Bangladesh, Girl Child Advocacy Forum and Expression Ltd are the main co-sponsors of the events. The media partners are Channel i, ATN Bangla, New Age, The Independent, The Daily Star, Sangbad and Bhorer Kagoj.