To mark Universal Human Rights Day 2010 as well as to generate awareness against violation of basic human rights, Manusher Jonno Foundation in association with UKaid and Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangladesh organised an award giving ceremony and a music festival on December 10 at the Mall Chattar on Dhaka University campus.

Leading singers of the country including Sabina Yasmin, Fahmida Nabi, Bappa Majumder, Partho Barua and Krishnokoli rendered songs at the programme.

During the first session of the programme, Manusher Jonno Manabadhikar Award 2010 was conferred to 13 individuals. The awards are recognition of the individuals' contributions in generating awareness on human rights at the grassroots level.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith was present at the ceremony as chief guest. Syed

Manzoor-e Elahi, chairman, Governing Board, Manusher Jonno Foundation presided over the programme. Shaheen Anam, executive director, Manusher Jonno Foundation delivered the inaugural speech.

Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellor, Dhaka University; Irene Khan, former secretary general. Amnesty International and Daniel Davis, senior programme manager, HD and Governance Adviser, DFID were present as special guests.

The guests handed over awards to the recipients.

Shaheen Anam said, “To our frustration, instances of human rights violations are increasing in our country. It, nevertheless, makes us proud to see committed activists working at the grassroots level." She added, “I'd like to pay tribute to all the activists — and not just the award recipients today— working to ensure human rights.”

Irene Khan, former secretary general of Amnesty International, said, “It would have been impossible for international human rights activists like me to

do anything meaningful, without the efforts and sacrifices of coundess individuals working at the grassroots level, risking their lives.” She thanked Manusher Jonno Foundation for taking an initiative to honour these individuals.

After a short break, the music festival started. Shantanu Biswas began with a rendition of the theme song of Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Fahmida Nabi performed some of her popular songs like “Lukochuri", "Ami Akash Hobo" and a Lalon song. She also entertained the audience with her witty remarks.

Krishnokoli, seemingly very popular among Dhaka University (DU) students, rendered some of her hit songs. “At DU, I have mostly performed during student protests. Rarely did I have the opportunity to sing in front of such a large crowd." The crowd seemed to like the fusion of different instruments featured in her performances. “Nachogo Kali” and “Ichche Moton” were cheered by the audience.

After a break, Sabina Yasmin appeared and had the audience hypnotised with her melodious voice, for an hour. She performed her classics “Ekti Bangladesh", “Isharaye Shish Diye" and “Shey Je Kano Elo Na”. People from all walks of life, rickshaw pullers and DU students alike, were seen equally moved by her performance.

Dolchut's performance, especially the sound of acoustic drums, stirred the young rock lovers. The band performed some of its popular old numbers, songs written and composed by their late frontman Sanjib Chowdhury. Bappa Majumder's guitar left the crowd craving for more.

Souls began with a somewhat redo of their classic “Mon Shudhu Mon Chhuechhe”. The band also performed “Nisshongota” and “Rim Jhim Jhim Brishti”.

All artistes were of the view that we should continue the good fight to uphold and ensure basic human rights within and beyond the confines of our family.