Democracywatch, a research and training organisation, has organised a 'Democracy Festi-vaT which will begin in the city from tomorrow.

The three-day festival will be inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Abu Hena at the organisation s head office at Kakrail.

The festival, with the theme "Harmony and Tolerance”, is expected to be participated by a Urge number of politicians, policy-makers and scholars, and a number of diplomatic missions In Dhaka, including 11 EU countries. USA. Norway. Sri Lanka and India, with stalls and display materials explaining their efforts and contributions towards development of democracy in their respective countries. Several leading NGOs of the country, including BRAC.

Grameen Bank and GSS. will also take part.

At a press conference yesterday. Executive Director of Democracywatch. Taleya Rehman, said the festival would focus on the need for harmony and tolerance in . the development of democracy in 1 Bangladesh, create awareness । among young people about the j concept of liberal democracy I and evaluate the role of NGOs in the development of democracy . and protection of human rights I in Bangladesh.

Funded by Norway. Democ- j racywatch has been working, since its inception on Feb 15. ! 1995 to create, develop and sus- j tain a democratic culture in : Bangladesh as well as to see a truly democratic, responsive i and transparent government in power, she said.