ON 10 December in 1948. the Universal Human Rights Declaration (UDHR) was adopted at the UN General Assembly. In the last year, the 50th anniversary of this day was celebrated with due honour and festive mood. On the verge of 21st century, the celebration of this day will encourage People of eveiy class to protest the injustice and violation of rights. The Independence of Bangladesh is the legacy of blood of 3 million martyrs and chastity of 0.2 million women. The nine month long war was actually the war against human rights violation. After liberation, the Constitutional proclamation on human rights and democracy, acknowledge the freedom of Bangladesh.

In the chapter on fundamental rights (article 26-47) of the Constitution of Bangladesh the fundamental rights of people is recognized. On the other hand, the chapter on fundamental principles describes the rights to food, cloth, accommodation medicine, and education. In the constitution of Bangladesh, rights are equal irrespective of sex. race, colour

The article 7 of the Constitution defined the citizen as the owner of the nation. In other article 21 (Kha), it has been reiterated that all public servants are to serve the nation and its people. This means that responsibility towards nation Is emphasized. That Is if you want to have rights, you are to do certain duties towards society and Nation. In other article no 21(1) it is stated that every citizen is obliged to follow Constitution and law. maintain discipline, perform public duties and responsibilities and to protect the public property.

According to Limberg. democracy means the realization of economic, social, cultural civic and political rights of the people. Therefore, for the sake of democracy and development, awareness on human rights is necessary. Eleanor Roosevelt, first Chalrinan of UN Human Rights Commission, drafted UDHR. Other Important personalities like Professor PC Chang (China). Rene Casin (French)' Harnarna Santa Cruz (Lawyer from Chile). Professor Charles Malik (Lebanon). Omar Luftl (Egypt). Ms Hosa Mehta (India). Ambassador. General Kahlos P Kemula (Philippine) Bogomolov (Soviet Union). This committee was greatly assisted by Professor John Humphrey. Director of Human Rights Department. 40-state party voted in favour of the UDHR and Soviet Union. South Africa and Saudi Arab).

UDHR having 30 Article is a historical document. This document was termed the Magna Carta for all people around the world by Eleanor Roosevelt, first Chairman of Human Rights Commission. Fundamental human rights have been specified in It with due care. The wise drafter of it has defined social and economic rights along with the rights of economic and civil. This document has truly made these rights universal for the rich as well for the poor.

After 1948. some newly independent democratic countries of the Asia. Africa, Latin America formulated their Constitutions and as well other UN documents In the light of it. Basically the chapter three of Constitution of Bangladesh was written In the light of UDHR

The Constitution of Bangladesh acknowledged its citizen as the owner of the state and also identified public service holders as the servant of the citizen. But incidents of violations of rights are Increasing in Bangladesh? People succumbs to torture by law enforcing agencies. The reasons may be specified as the unawareness of citizen about rights and laws and as well lack of initiative on the part of the Government to include human rights In the educational curriculum. Moreover the true essence of the Constitution of Bangladesh has been lessen by the repeated amendment of it by different governments. Nevertheless. if people become aware about Constitution, the important legal machinery could be used against the violations of rights and laws. Consequently, a strong challenge is before the human rights organizations to make aware the masses about their rights and existing laws. When people will be aware, violations of laws and rights will be reduced automatically. It is imperative to build up a culture of awareness of laws and rights.

An assessment of the World Bank stated that 95 police personnel out of 100 do not have any training on human rights matters. Only 9 Police personnel were told about freedom of movement and citizens' security and 8 about rights to freedom and security. Majority of them do not have enough understanding about fundamental human rights and laws relating to security. For example 50 per cent.of them consider torture, as an ideal mode of collecting information. UNDP held, poor rate of literacy, lack of awareness on rights and laws, inadequate and improper initiative from the part of Government and NGOs for making aware people on law§ ana rights, responsible in above connection.

A statement of World Bank specified that in all cases of arrest under Special Power Act between 1974-1995 (10.231 people were arrested during this period), out of each 10 arrests. 9 were illegal.

Women repression in Bangladesh is increasing day by day though the Government has ratified CEDAW. There are laws, but these suffer from difficulties. Due to lack of awareness on laws and rights, rate of human rights violations are accelerating alarmingly. In addition, absence of accountability among the sectors concerned might be held responsible for the violation of human rights. Barrister Amirul Islam. Vice President of Bangladesh Bar Council provided some statistics according to police records on rape, acid throwing, grievous hurt, torture and oppression by other means on women and number of victims of ■ the above matters are: 3646 (1996): 5834(1997): 7387(1998) and 4125 (June 1999). Other statistics are as follows:

In Bangladesh. 1995-2000 has been declared as the Decade of Human Rights following the decision, taken in the Vienna Declaration in. 1993. But on the part of Government, practical actions are not taken till to date. For supplementary action In this regard, professionals and human rights organizations might adopt measures to improve the situation. Emphatically, contents about rights and laws should be included In the National curriculum of school and college.

For the Improvement of human rights situation. Government. NGOs and political parties should adopt programmes. They should project more activities to enhance and enforce human rights In our country.

The Human Rights Commission should be established as soon as possible. We should try for rights to development to have a better nation.

The writer is General Secretary. Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT). Secretary General. Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR)