Makeup


SK is happy to present the Annual Report for the year 2010. The report endeavors to communicate to the readers the tasks accomplished by the organization over the defined period, the challenges met and Aalso the emerging issues it had to deal with. Needless to say it would not have been possible to achieve many of the goals without the assistance provided by different sections of people. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation unit of ASK prepared the report by collecting and compiling information from different programmes. All the staff including the Executive Director and members went through the draft and commented upon it. ASK expresses its thanks to them. Dr. Hameeda Hossain who kindly read the draft before finalization of the report.
The final product of formatting and lay out of the report was the responsibility of Anil Chandra Mandal. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Advocate Z. I. Khan PannaSecretary General SK is happy to present the Annual Report for the year 2010. The report endeavors to communicate to the readers the tasks accomplished by the organization over the defined period, the challenges met and Aalso the emerging issues it had to deal with. Needless to say it would not have been possible to achieve many of the goals without the assistance provided by different sections of people. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation unit of ASK prepared the report by collecting and compiling information from different programmes. All the staff including the Executive Director and members went through the draft and commented upon it. ASK expresses its thanks to them. Dr. Hameeda Hossain who kindly read the draft before finalization of the report.
The final product of formatting and lay out of the report was the responsibility of Anil Chandra Mandal. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Advocate Z. I. Khan PannaSecretary General : Action for Disability and Development : Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association : Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies : Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust : Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee CEDAW : Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women
CO
: Community Organizer Acronyms 4
: Coalition for the Urban Poor : Centre for Urban Studies : Dushtha Shasthya Kendra ASK at a Glance 5
: Executive Committee Implementing Partners of ASK Outside Dhaka
: Executive Director : First Information Report : Government Legal Aid Fund Challenges for Human Rights Defenders GT : Guide Teacher
HR
MNP : Manabadhiker Nattya Parishad
MSP : Manabadhiker Sangrakkhan Parishad, voluntary, human rights monitors (men and women)
Programme and Activities : Theatre Activist : Training of Trainers UMNP : Union level Manabadhiker Nattya Parishad
Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform : Urban Partnersip for Poverty Reduction UZMNP : Upazila Level Manabadhiker Nattya Parishad (federations of union based theatre groups)
VAW
: Violence Against Women : Manabadhiker Nari Samaj voluntary women's groups monitoring violence against women.
Annex I Activity Tables
MAP : Manabadhiker Ainjibi Parishad lawyers' groups formed to assist villagers to access justice
Annex II ASK Support System
Annex III Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Balance Sheet
Annex IV ASK Members/ Executive Committee
Annex V ASK Personnel
Annex VI Sponsors of Working Children in 2010
Fatwa: Arabic for opinion of a person learned in Shariah. Fatwas have no legal validity in Bangladesh. A High
Court judgment in 2011 has declared illegal fatwas that inflict penalties.
Hilla: Intervening marriage often imposed in cases where the husband -- on an impulse -- verbally divorces the
wife, repents later and wants to take her back. It is not legal in Bangladesh.
Shalish: An informal, traditional system of mediation used to settle marital and land disputes outside the court.
Shalishkar: Mediators who conduct shalish. Generally, local elected representatives, schoolteachers, NGO
workers, religious leaders, etc.
Village Court : A court constituted under the provisions of the Village Court Ordinance, 1976. Any party in a
dispute may in the prescribed manner and with a prescribed fee, apply to the village court. Chairman of the
Union Parishad constitutes a village court for the trial of a case. Apart from the chairman, each party nominates
two members. It has no power to pass a sentence for imprisonment, but may order the accused to compensate
the aggrieved party, paying him/her an amount not exceeding Tk 25,000.0.
Annual Report 2010 : Action for Disability and Development : Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association : Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies : Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust : Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee CEDAW : Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women
CO
: Community Organizer Acronyms 4
: Coalition for the Urban Poor : Centre for Urban Studies : Dushtha Shasthya Kendra ASK at a Glance 5
: Executive Committee Implementing Partners of ASK Outside Dhaka
: Executive Director : First Information Report : Government Legal Aid Fund Challenges for Human Rights Defenders GT : Guide Teacher
HR
MNP : Manabadhiker Nattya Parishad
MSP : Manabadhiker Sangrakkhan Parishad, voluntary, human rights monitors (men and women)
Programme and Activities : Theatre Activist : Training of Trainers UMNP : Union level Manabadhiker Nattya Parishad
Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform : Urban Partnersip for Poverty Reduction UZMNP : Upazila Level Manabadhiker Nattya Parishad (federations of union based theatre groups)
VAW
: Violence Against Women : Manabadhiker Nari Samaj voluntary women's groups monitoring violence against women.
Annex I Activity Tables
MAP : Manabadhiker Ainjibi Parishad lawyers' groups formed to assist villagers to access justice
Annex II ASK Support System
Annex III Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Balance Sheet
Annex IV ASK Members/ Executive Committee
Annex V ASK Personnel
Annex VI Sponsors of Working Children in 2010
Fatwa: Arabic for opinion of a person learned in Shariah. Fatwas have no legal validity in Bangladesh. A High
Court judgment in 2011 has declared illegal fatwas that inflict penalties.
Hilla: Intervening marriage often imposed in cases where the husband -- on an impulse -- verbally divorces the
wife, repents later and wants to take her back. It is not legal in Bangladesh.
Shalish: An informal, traditional system of mediation used to settle marital and land disputes outside the court.
Shalishkar: Mediators who conduct shalish. Generally, local elected representatives, schoolteachers, NGO
workers, religious leaders, etc.
Village Court : A court constituted under the provisions of the Village Court Ordinance, 1976. Any party in a
dispute may in the prescribed manner and with a prescribed fee, apply to the village court. Chairman of the
Union Parishad constitutes a village court for the trial of a case. Apart from the chairman, each party nominates
two members. It has no power to pass a sentence for imprisonment, but may order the accused to compensate
the aggrieved party, paying him/her an amount not exceeding Tk 25,000.0.
Annual Report 2010


Implementing partners of ASK outside Dhaka in o Salish Kendra (ASK), a national legal aid carried out by ASK staff and locally by 15 human and human rights organization, provides legal rights defenders forums trained by ASK in 15 districts.
Aand social support to the disempowered, particularly women, working children and workers. Its Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform
goal is to create a society based on equality, social Research into situation of human rights and impact of and gender justice and rule of law. It seeks to create laws and policies. Publication and dissemination of an environment for accountability and transparency four periodical Bulletins, books and pamphlets on of governance institutions. ASK was registered with legal rights.Nine public Interest litigations were filed in the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms 2010, in coordination with several other human rights under Societies Registration Act, 1860 in 1986, and organisations; favourable judgments were obtained with the NGO Affairs Bureau under Foreign Donation in two cases. Judgments were pending in 42 PILs Regulation Ordinance, 1978 in 1993. It acquired filed since 2000. Remedial steps were taken for special consultative status with UNECOSOC in 1998.
extension of stay, to maintain status quo, for direction for compliance with Court's orders, issuing legal notices, etc.).
Promotion and protection of legal and human rights Enhancing Capabilities of Human Rights
are carried out by l7 units and one component through delivery of legal and social support, campaigns and ASK's courses on legal and human rights aim to enhance awareness of human rights, increase community activism for justice, and encourage Delivery of Legal and Social Support
interventions to prevent violations and protect Trained lawyers in eight legal aid clinics in Dhaka resolve disputes through mediation or litigation. An These core programmes are supported by a outreach programme has extended legal clinics in consortium of five donors, and specific programmes seven districts (Barisal, Bogra, Chittagong, Hobigonj, Rajshahi, Satkhira and Tangail) in partnership with local NGOs. Health and Education Support and Legal Networks
Protection is offered to working children at six sites in ASK is associated with eight national and nine Dhaka and for domestic child workers at 27 sites. international networks. Promoting Community Activism
In partnership with ten NGOs and CBOs ASK has ASK is a membership organization founded by nine trained and facilitated the formation of 90 voluntary individuals (4 women and 5 men, 3 deceased) and groups to monitor human rights, prevent violations currently has 27 general members (17 women and 10 and protect victims in forty unions in 10 upazillas. Forty school teams and 52 youth teams have been trained in 10 districts to perform human rights theatre.
Executive Committee members
9 (7 women and 2 men) Accountability of Public Institutions
News clips of legal and human rights violations are
compiled from ten national newspapers. Fact finding 236 (including regular, under contract, full time and investigations into incidents of hr violations are part Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010


Implementing partners of ASK outside Dhaka in o Salish Kendra (ASK), a national legal aid carried out by ASK staff and locally by 15 human and human rights organization, provides legal rights defenders forums trained by ASK in 15 districts.
Aand social support to the disempowered, particularly women, working children and workers. Its Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform
goal is to create a society based on equality, social Research into situation of human rights and impact of and gender justice and rule of law. It seeks to create laws and policies. Publication and dissemination of an environment for accountability and transparency four periodical Bulletins, books and pamphlets on of governance institutions. ASK was registered with legal rights.Nine public Interest litigations were filed in the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms 2010, in coordination with several other human rights under Societies Registration Act, 1860 in 1986, and organisations; favourable judgments were obtained with the NGO Affairs Bureau under Foreign Donation in two cases. Judgments were pending in 42 PILs Regulation Ordinance, 1978 in 1993. It acquired filed since 2000. Remedial steps were taken for special consultative status with UNECOSOC in 1998.
extension of stay, to maintain status quo, for direction for compliance with Court's orders, issuing legal notices, etc.).
Promotion and protection of legal and human rights Enhancing Capabilities of Human Rights
are carried out by l7 units and one component through delivery of legal and social support, campaigns and ASK's courses on legal and human rights aim to enhance awareness of human rights, increase community activism for justice, and encourage Delivery of Legal and Social Support
interventions to prevent violations and protect Trained lawyers in eight legal aid clinics in Dhaka resolve disputes through mediation or litigation. An These core programmes are supported by a outreach programme has extended legal clinics in consortium of five donors, and specific programmes seven districts (Barisal, Bogra, Chittagong, Hobigonj, Rajshahi, Satkhira and Tangail) in partnership with local NGOs. Health and Education Support and Legal Networks
Protection is offered to working children at six sites in ASK is associated with eight national and nine Dhaka and for domestic child workers at 27 sites. international networks. Promoting Community Activism
In partnership with ten NGOs and CBOs ASK has ASK is a membership organization founded by nine trained and facilitated the formation of 90 voluntary individuals (4 women and 5 men, 3 deceased) and groups to monitor human rights, prevent violations currently has 27 general members (17 women and 10 and protect victims in forty unions in 10 upazillas. Forty school teams and 52 youth teams have been trained in 10 districts to perform human rights theatre.
Executive Committee members
9 (7 women and 2 men) Accountability of Public Institutions
News clips of legal and human rights violations are
compiled from ten national newspapers. Fact finding 236 (including regular, under contract, full time and investigations into incidents of hr violations are part Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Challenges for Human Rights Defenders
010 has been an especially significant year for psychosocial service ASK started providing as part of SK believes that respect, promotion and classes to influence women to wear hijab and ASK as the organisation passed its 25th year in legal aid. In 2010 ASK organised courses offered to protection of human rights are essential parents/guardians 2human rights activism. Established in 1986 by a university students, physicians, lawyers and other social group of humanitarians, ASK has successfully fared and NGO workers. Training on civil and political rights, Apreconditions for a democratic society. It has participate in cultural programs.
therefore tried to contribute towards a human rights through the long journey amidst huge challenges from economic, social and cultural rights, human rights and culture by building awareness of rights, respect and Rights at Work
the vested interest groups, state and non-state agents. gender rights were organised and conducted either on tolerance amongst citizens, and motivating human Police used force to suppress workers' protest On the other hand, ASK is very happy to acknowledge request by other organisations, both government and rights defenders to monitor state institutions and hold rallies demanding minimum wages and other the increased awareness in people about human rights non-government or for ASK staff as planned. Bulletins them responsible for maintaining human rights rights, which led to five deaths and 466 injured. issues and also the cooperation and support it received came out in time and other publications like the annual standards and constitutional rights.
Work was disrupted as unrest continued. The from many belonging to different walks of life.
human rights report, issue based books and booklets Political, social, gender and class based posting of industrial police was seen as a potential The challenges basically were the same ASK had to and articles were produced to meet the demand of the hierarchies act as major constraints to the rule of law, threat to the workers. face from the very beginning since 1986. The areas the academics, international NGO's and agencies and the democratic participation and realization of human organization had to focus most were related to violence wide audience including the general members of the rights. The challenges for human rights defenders in Violence against Women
against women, at home and outside. ASK's efforts to citizenry. ASK staff and the members attended establishing democratic and human rights norms Ÿ Increase in reportage of incidents of rape and reach the wider segments of the population, particularly meetings, conferences, seminars at home and abroad emerge from the impunity of state actors in resorting sexual harassment.
at the grassroots level continued through formation of as participants as well as resource persons and gave to lawless means of law enforcement, community Stalking of young women in public was a threat to CBOs like the Manbadhikar Shongrokkhon Parishad leadership to various issue based and long term tolerance of violence and submission to injustice. women's mobility and autonomy. News reports (MSP), Manbadhikar Nari Samaj (MNS), Human Rights networks. In the 2010 retreat, ASK staff and members Some of the challenges faced by human rights indicated that fear of sexual harassment/stalking Defneders Forum (HRDF) as well as the Biddaloy were together in working on the strategic planning for defenders and ASK are explained below: led to 32 suicides by school girls in 2010. ASK Nattya Dol (BNAD) to engage the youth in human rights 2011 after a stocktaking of its activities and received five cases of suicide. Dropouts of girl awareness and promotion and protection activities. That achievements of 2010. They also looked at what could awareness about human rights is increasing among the not be achieved and did an evaluation of ASK's work in Right to Life
students at secondary level caused by child people, especially women is evident in the fact that at the context of national, regional and international social Ÿ Extra judicial killings in ‘cross fire' or ‘encounter' marriage and sexual harassment. Schools with a least 10% more women came to ASK seeking legal and political currents. As has been reflected in the continue to be a source of insecurity and fear for large number of students from poor families faced assistance compared to the previous year. Long years Report, despite considerable activism, extra judicial citizens. News reports tabulated by ASK's advocacy in which ASK played a major role resulted in killings continued to happen. Added to that was a new Documentation Unit show that in 2010, different Domestic violence persisted. Many more women the passing of the domestic violence (prevention and phenomena of forced disappearance in alarming law enforcing agencies admitted to 133 deaths in sought safe shelter outside the family because of protection) act 2010. Participation and sharing in the numbers. ASK followed both the strategies of court room "crossfire" and 74 deaths occurred in jail custody. fear of domestic violence. various events of ASK, such as festivals of Wall and out of court advocacy to intervene in the issue which Incidents of torture in custody and suicide were Magazine, Human Rights Drama, conference of Gender is marked by success in some cases, but much remains Concerns Raised by Human Rights Defenders
and Social Justice etc. reflects people's concern about to be done in this sector. ASK investigation unit did its Ÿ Recent allegations of disappearances, following Regarding State Institutions
respect for human and gender equality and rights in the duty to the full to help ASK find the facts regarding arrest and abduction by law enforcement Ÿ Impunity of state actors was encouraged by the incidents of Human Rights violation.
agencies showed that the mode and nature of absence of transparency and accountability of ASK, often by itself or with other organisations filed Programs with the working children ran in full vigour state institutions, lack of action against PILs on different issues that affected the life of large with logical expansions in new areas. ASK's outreach Ÿ Shooting at the border by the BSF resulted in t h e perpetrators and weaknesses in law enforcement number of people. One of the most serious issues ASK programs carried out their planned activities death of 26 Bangladeshi citizens.
had to deal with in 2010 was the issue of harassment of successfully and the support services were busy Ÿ Violence upon women was instigated by fatwa Ÿ Investigations and prosecution by state women which was trivially termed as ‘eve teasing'. ASK meeting the demands of the programs related.
notwithstanding a recent judgment declaring such institutions were inadequate and faulty leading to acted on different fronts from awareness building to I, in my executive duty was given full support by all penalties illegal.
litigation to stop such harassment of women in my colleagues in the office and by the members, Citizens were denied access to official educational institutions, workplace, on the street. particularly by the EC. I feel extremely thankful to all of Right to Freedom of Expression
information/records by restrictions imposed by Following a court order ASK had to take the them.
Religious extremist groups disrupted ASK's police and court on their entry into police responsibility of sitting on committees in various I wish ASK a successful year in 2011. human rights awareness programmes in 10 stations/custodial institutions, which obstructed institutions to hear complaints from women of different districts. Women members of religion based their defense in cases of illegal arrest, custodial age and profession. More and more people affected by political parties made door to door visits, held talim torture or death. violence and injustice showed interest in the Executive Director Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Challenges for Human Rights Defenders
010 has been an especially significant year for psychosocial service ASK started providing as part of SK believes that respect, promotion and classes to influence women to wear hijab and ASK as the organisation passed its 25th year in legal aid. In 2010 ASK organised courses offered to protection of human rights are essential parents/guardians 2human rights activism. Established in 1986 by a university students, physicians, lawyers and other social group of humanitarians, ASK has successfully fared and NGO workers. Training on civil and political rights, Apreconditions for a democratic society. It has participate in cultural programs.
therefore tried to contribute towards a human rights through the long journey amidst huge challenges from economic, social and cultural rights, human rights and culture by building awareness of rights, respect and Rights at Work
the vested interest groups, state and non-state agents. gender rights were organised and conducted either on tolerance amongst citizens, and motivating human Police used force to suppress workers' protest On the other hand, ASK is very happy to acknowledge request by other organisations, both government and rights defenders to monitor state institutions and hold rallies demanding minimum wages and other the increased awareness in people about human rights non-government or for ASK staff as planned. Bulletins them responsible for maintaining human rights rights, which led to five deaths and 466 injured. issues and also the cooperation and support it received came out in time and other publications like the annual standards and constitutional rights.
Work was disrupted as unrest continued. The from many belonging to different walks of life.
human rights report, issue based books and booklets Political, social, gender and class based posting of industrial police was seen as a potential The challenges basically were the same ASK had to and articles were produced to meet the demand of the hierarchies act as major constraints to the rule of law, threat to the workers. face from the very beginning since 1986. The areas the academics, international NGO's and agencies and the democratic participation and realization of human organization had to focus most were related to violence wide audience including the general members of the rights. The challenges for human rights defenders in Violence against Women
against women, at home and outside. ASK's efforts to citizenry. ASK staff and the members attended establishing democratic and human rights norms Ÿ Increase in reportage of incidents of rape and reach the wider segments of the population, particularly meetings, conferences, seminars at home and abroad emerge from the impunity of state actors in resorting sexual harassment.
at the grassroots level continued through formation of as participants as well as resource persons and gave to lawless means of law enforcement, community Stalking of young women in public was a threat to CBOs like the Manbadhikar Shongrokkhon Parishad leadership to various issue based and long term tolerance of violence and submission to injustice. women's mobility and autonomy. News reports (MSP), Manbadhikar Nari Samaj (MNS), Human Rights networks. In the 2010 retreat, ASK staff and members Some of the challenges faced by human rights indicated that fear of sexual harassment/stalking Defneders Forum (HRDF) as well as the Biddaloy were together in working on the strategic planning for defenders and ASK are explained below: led to 32 suicides by school girls in 2010. ASK Nattya Dol (BNAD) to engage the youth in human rights 2011 after a stocktaking of its activities and received five cases of suicide. Dropouts of girl awareness and promotion and protection activities. That achievements of 2010. They also looked at what could awareness about human rights is increasing among the not be achieved and did an evaluation of ASK's work in Right to Life
students at secondary level caused by child people, especially women is evident in the fact that at the context of national, regional and international social Ÿ Extra judicial killings in ‘cross fire' or ‘encounter' marriage and sexual harassment. Schools with a least 10% more women came to ASK seeking legal and political currents. As has been reflected in the continue to be a source of insecurity and fear for large number of students from poor families faced assistance compared to the previous year. Long years Report, despite considerable activism, extra judicial citizens. News reports tabulated by ASK's advocacy in which ASK played a major role resulted in killings continued to happen. Added to that was a new Documentation Unit show that in 2010, different Domestic violence persisted. Many more women the passing of the domestic violence (prevention and phenomena of forced disappearance in alarming law enforcing agencies admitted to 133 deaths in sought safe shelter outside the family because of protection) act 2010. Participation and sharing in the numbers. ASK followed both the strategies of court room "crossfire" and 74 deaths occurred in jail custody. fear of domestic violence. various events of ASK, such as festivals of Wall and out of court advocacy to intervene in the issue which Incidents of torture in custody and suicide were Magazine, Human Rights Drama, conference of Gender is marked by success in some cases, but much remains Concerns Raised by Human Rights Defenders
and Social Justice etc. reflects people's concern about to be done in this sector. ASK investigation unit did its Ÿ Recent allegations of disappearances, following Regarding State Institutions
respect for human and gender equality and rights in the duty to the full to help ASK find the facts regarding arrest and abduction by law enforcement Ÿ Impunity of state actors was encouraged by the incidents of Human Rights violation.
agencies showed that the mode and nature of absence of transparency and accountability of ASK, often by itself or with other organisations filed Programs with the working children ran in full vigour state institutions, lack of action against PILs on different issues that affected the life of large with logical expansions in new areas. ASK's outreach Ÿ Shooting at the border by the BSF resulted in t h e perpetrators and weaknesses in law enforcement number of people. One of the most serious issues ASK programs carried out their planned activities death of 26 Bangladeshi citizens.
had to deal with in 2010 was the issue of harassment of successfully and the support services were busy Ÿ Violence upon women was instigated by fatwa Ÿ Investigations and prosecution by state women which was trivially termed as ‘eve teasing'. ASK meeting the demands of the programs related.
notwithstanding a recent judgment declaring such institutions were inadequate and faulty leading to acted on different fronts from awareness building to I, in my executive duty was given full support by all penalties illegal.
litigation to stop such harassment of women in my colleagues in the office and by the members, Citizens were denied access to official educational institutions, workplace, on the street. particularly by the EC. I feel extremely thankful to all of Right to Freedom of Expression
information/records by restrictions imposed by Following a court order ASK had to take the them.
Religious extremist groups disrupted ASK's police and court on their entry into police responsibility of sitting on committees in various I wish ASK a successful year in 2011. human rights awareness programmes in 10 stations/custodial institutions, which obstructed institutions to hear complaints from women of different districts. Women members of religion based their defense in cases of illegal arrest, custodial age and profession. More and more people affected by political parties made door to door visits, held talim torture or death. violence and injustice showed interest in the Executive Director Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 The executive and administration failed to comply Delays due to shortage of judges and lengthy legal with court directives eg in the case of slum eviction, extra judicial killings, illegal punishments Limits on power of the National Human Rights pronounced by fatwa, etc. Intimidation of complainants seeking to file cases Political confrontation between major political Programmes and Activities parties and armed political cadres led to the emergence of a gang culture that bred a culture of Regarding Community Culture
fear in the community, and allowed powerful Ÿ Social conservatism or community tolerance of Enhance capacity of human right defenders.
groups to perpetrate human rights' violations.
discrimination and violence.
ASK's strategies for the promotion and protection of Ensure an effective institutional management. Intimidation of journalists and human rights Ÿ Traditional norms of gender subordination.
rights and justice have evolved in response to its ASK's activities are implemented separately by 17 defenders resulted in a degree of self-censorship. Community culture of fear or tolerance of experiences in the defense of human rights at the units and one component. The outcome of each Non-compliance with judgments in public interest perpetrators due to their political power and grassroots and in promoting accountability of state programme leads to follow up activity by other units, litigation by the executive and administration and influence was a threat to human rights defenders. institutions. These strategies aim to: or to collective action by several units. For example, poor dissemination of judgments was a deterrent Insecurity of individuals filing complaints of Generate human rights awareness and knowledge of human rights awareness leads to their implementation.
discrimination or violence.
community initiatives to protect human rights. participants to seek legal aid or to build the capacity of Individuals seeking counseling support are Promote community activism for gender equality human rights defenders. Experiences of legal aid or of Regarding System of Justice
stigmatised as "mentally disturbed".
and social justice.
community voluntary groups help identify issues for Judicial bias in determining cases of a political Discouragement of voluntarism in the community.
Ensure access to justice through legal support.
research, media campaigns and advocacy. Similarly nature or in cases of dower or maintenance were Lack of expertise and professionalism amongst Provide emergency support service to survivors of investigation and documentation reports are useful in contrary to the principle of justice.
local volunteers.
human rights violations. monitoring human rights situation. ASK clusters its Corruption in court administration.
Insecurity and isolation of field workers.
Campaign and advocacy for law and policy activities under eight outputs, one or more units being responsible for each output. ASK works closely with a Ensure transparency and accountability of public network of partners, in local areas, in the national and international arenas. Goal: Rule of Law Established based on Principles of Equality, Democracy, Human Rights, Justice and Gender Equity
Purpose: An enabling environment for demanding good governance, non-discrimination and social justice
1. Human rights awareness increased from grassroots to Ÿ Human Rights Awareness (HRA) state institutions 2. Community activism for gender and social justice promoted.
Ÿ Gender & Social Justice (GSJ) 3. Access to justice system increased Ÿ Mediation & Rapid Response (MRR) Ÿ Child Rights (CRU) 4. Emergency support service system established Ÿ Support Services & Half Way Home (SS&HH) Ÿ Psycho-social Help Component 5. Advocacy initiatives to influence law and policy reform Ÿ Publication & Communication Ÿ Research (RES) Ÿ Legal Advocacy & Policy Reform (LAPRU) Ÿ Media and International Advocacy (MIA) 6. Human rights situation addressed to increase transparency and Ÿ Investigation Unit (INV) accountability in public institutions Ÿ Documentation (DOC) 7. Capacity of human rights actors enhanced Ÿ Training Unit (TRU) 8. Effective institutional system strengthened Ÿ Accounts & Finance (ACFIN) Ÿ Administration (ADMIN) Ÿ Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (PME) Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 The executive and administration failed to comply Delays due to shortage of judges and lengthy legal with court directives eg in the case of slum eviction, extra judicial killings, illegal punishments Limits on power of the National Human Rights pronounced by fatwa, etc. Intimidation of complainants seeking to file cases Political confrontation between major political Programmes and Activities parties and armed political cadres led to the emergence of a gang culture that bred a culture of Regarding Community Culture
fear in the community, and allowed powerful Ÿ Social conservatism or community tolerance of Enhance capacity of human right defenders.
groups to perpetrate human rights' violations.
discrimination and violence.
ASK's strategies for the promotion and protection of Ensure an effective institutional management. Intimidation of journalists and human rights Ÿ Traditional norms of gender subordination.
rights and justice have evolved in response to its ASK's activities are implemented separately by 17 defenders resulted in a degree of self-censorship. Community culture of fear or tolerance of experiences in the defense of human rights at the units and one component. The outcome of each Non-compliance with judgments in public interest perpetrators due to their political power and grassroots and in promoting accountability of state programme leads to follow up activity by other units, litigation by the executive and administration and influence was a threat to human rights defenders. institutions. These strategies aim to: or to collective action by several units. For example, poor dissemination of judgments was a deterrent Insecurity of individuals filing complaints of Generate human rights awareness and knowledge of human rights awareness leads to their implementation.
discrimination or violence.
community initiatives to protect human rights. participants to seek legal aid or to build the capacity of Individuals seeking counseling support are Promote community activism for gender equality human rights defenders. Experiences of legal aid or of Regarding System of Justice
stigmatised as "mentally disturbed".
and social justice.
community voluntary groups help identify issues for Judicial bias in determining cases of a political Discouragement of voluntarism in the community.
Ensure access to justice through legal support.
research, media campaigns and advocacy. Similarly nature or in cases of dower or maintenance were Lack of expertise and professionalism amongst Provide emergency support service to survivors of investigation and documentation reports are useful in contrary to the principle of justice.
local volunteers.
human rights violations. monitoring human rights situation. ASK clusters its Corruption in court administration.
Insecurity and isolation of field workers.
Campaign and advocacy for law and policy activities under eight outputs, one or more units being responsible for each output. ASK works closely with a Ensure transparency and accountability of public network of partners, in local areas, in the national and international arenas. Goal: Rule of Law Established based on Principles of Equality, Democracy, Human Rights, Justice and Gender Equity
Purpose: An enabling environment for demanding good governance, non-discrimination and social justice
1. Human rights awareness increased from grassroots to Ÿ Human Rights Awareness (HRA) state institutions 2. Community activism for gender and social justice promoted.
Ÿ Gender & Social Justice (GSJ) 3. Access to justice system increased Ÿ Mediation & Rapid Response (MRR) Ÿ Child Rights (CRU) 4. Emergency support service system established Ÿ Support Services & Half Way Home (SS&HH) Ÿ Psycho-social Help Component 5. Advocacy initiatives to influence law and policy reform Ÿ Publication & Communication Ÿ Research (RES) Ÿ Legal Advocacy & Policy Reform (LAPRU) Ÿ Media and International Advocacy (MIA) 6. Human rights situation addressed to increase transparency and Ÿ Investigation Unit (INV) accountability in public institutions Ÿ Documentation (DOC) 7. Capacity of human rights actors enhanced Ÿ Training Unit (TRU) 8. Effective institutional system strengthened Ÿ Accounts & Finance (ACFIN) Ÿ Administration (ADMIN) Ÿ Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation (PME) Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010



Human Rights Awareness
MNPs from 10 districts, performed dramas on union level, monitoring incidents of domestic gender issues. 80 MNS groups participated in or ASK seeks to create an human rights culture, by different issues. Both print and electronic media violence, fatwa-instigated violence, child marriage, observed shalishes. They took action in 27 cases of promoting tolerance for cultural and political diversity covered the festival highlighting the spirit of human custodial violence and other violations and demand domestic violence, by escorting victims to police and commitments to democratic values and practice. rights and popular protests against HR violations. deterrent action by concerned authorities in thanas, hospitals and lawyers. Participation of ASK trains young students and cultural activists to Three renowned persons, Abdul Matin (Language partnership with 10 PNGOs in 10 Districts. In 40 women has increased substantially as a result of dramatise human rights so as to encourage a Movement), Ferdousi Majumder (Theatre) and Union MSP and MNS members have played a these discourse on these concerns and sensitize the Professor Sarder Fazlul Karim (Education) were proactive role to protest and prevent HRV, by MAP members were motivated in meetings, community to realize rights and entitlements. recognized for their outstanding contributions to the collecting information on rights violations, escorting workshops and trainings to extend voluntary support Voluntary student teams attend a six-day residential Language Movement, liberation war, Bangla victims to thanas, hospitals, lawyers, court, and in cases of violence against women and to assist course on human rights and gender relations under Literature and Democratic and cultural struggles in conducting/attending shalish to clients who could not afford court the supervision of a Guide Teacher. The training has resolve disputes, organizing rallies, expenses. MAP is now functioning resulted in the formation of 40 volunteer groups BNAD members participated in a competition on submitting memoranda and issuing as an independent organization amongst 40 secondary school students known as general knowledge and acting skills, with members press alerts in cases of HR violation. giving voluntary support to the Biddaloy Nattya Dol (BNAD) being judged on solo As a result, members of the and amongst the youth known community have raised demands for attended 107 Legal Aid Camps as Manabadhikar Nattya responses to questions on justice, good governance and organised by MSP and MNS, where HR, history, liberation war, elimination of discrimination. The they gave legal advice to 85 men and science, current affairs, etc. unit has assisted in the formation of 25 women. MAP lawyers filed 20 performed dramas, published The contribution of MNPs or Manobadhikar Ainjibi Parishad cases under GLAF on behalf of 9 wall magazines, participated (MAP), is a federation of district men and 13 women and organized in debates and cultural groups to the cultural and two study circles on right to competitions and celebrated social life in the districts was advice and voluntary services to the information, national human rights significant days, to increase recognized by national disempowered. MAP extends its commission rules and Public awareness of human rights in cultural groups such as voluntary support through attendig the community and enhanced legal camps organised by CBOs, their own understanding Shanskriti Jote and Group giving legal advice, filing cases participants from MSP, MNS, MAP, Third National Wall Magazine festival in Dhaka National flag hoisted by ED at the through study circles. The Theatre Federation etc.
under Govt. Free Legal Aid Fund PNGOs for the first time attended a opening of CBO Conference theatre themes dramatized in 2010 were on trial of They invited MNPs to their programmes and, in (GLAF) and follow up cases through conference on the eve of 10 war criminals, extra judicial killing, sexual return, attended the performances, rallies, and PNGOsand CBOs and conveyed the problems of December to commemorate Rokeya Dibash and harassment, discriminatory education system, dowry, protests sponsored by the MNPs. Neighbouring GLAF to the District Judges. Human Rights day. They explored means to intensify domestic violence, under age marriage etc. After communities too trusted the MNPs to take up local In 2010, MSP and MNS responded to 178 their activities, strengthen their organization, each performance 10 to 15 persons participated in problems and emerging issues. incidents, by escorting 36 victims to thana, hospital overcome their weaknesses, and formulate future and courts, attending 22 shalishes, holding 15 plans.
The Third National Wall Magazine festival was Community Activism for Gender and
workshops with PNGOs, 8 workshops with the PNGOs documented and followed up HRVs and organized in Dhaka in January. More than a hundred government legal aid committees, activating Village crimes every month; they monitored and reported on high schools and organizations displayed 200 ASK promotes dialogues with local elected Courts, organizing 107 legal camps at which 123 men actions taken by MSP, MNP and MAP; they held 30 students' wall magazines with illustrated poems, representatives, officials and members of the and 209 women received legal assistance from MAP workshops and meetings and organised five trainings stories, articles, drama, comics on liberation war of community, both men and women on concepts of members and helped to file 20 cases under on organizational development, advocacy, good Bangladesh, history, human rights, gender, science, gender equality and human rights in the family, Government Legal Aid Fund. governance, leadership, gender relations analysis, current affairs, ethnic diversity, climate, agriculture community and within state institutions so as to Women's Groups held 6 workshops with Union legal and HR issues and held study circles on current and local scholars. A large number of teachers, motivate the community towards gender and social Shalishkars to sensitize them to women's rights and national issues and observance of national days.
guardians, organizers, journalists and readers justice.
attended the festival which was covered by both the Gender and Social Justice (GSJ) Unit has been electronic and print media. This led to a mass instrumental in developing and sustaining three awareness of HR and gender relations.
Community Based Organisations (CBOs) that act "Aingoto Shahayata Prodan Ain, 2000" (Free Legal Aid Fund) enacted on 26 January, 2000 to provide financial support (to the extent of ASK participated in the annual national human locally to promote and protect human rights. Among taka 300,000 in each district) for legal aid for insolvent persons. Provides subsidies for lawyer's fees, expenses during trials and rights theatre festival in March in Dhaka, at which 21 these, Manobadhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad (MSP) additional charges. Constituted with the District Judge (as President), Secretary of the Bar Association (Secretary of the Committee), theatre groups, including representatives from the and Manobadhikar Nari Samaj (MNS) function at the District Magistrate, Police Super, Public Prosecutor, Representatives of Department of Women and Child Affairs, Department of Social Welfare, Local NGOs and others. Lawyers have to submit quarterly reports on their cases to the Committee.
The Guide Teachers were familiarized with concepts of human rights, gender and family laws and in dramatizing these concepts. See Annex, table 1.
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010



Human Rights Awareness
MNPs from 10 districts, performed dramas on union level, monitoring incidents of domestic gender issues. 80 MNS groups participated in or ASK seeks to create an human rights culture, by different issues. Both print and electronic media violence, fatwa-instigated violence, child marriage, observed shalishes. They took action in 27 cases of promoting tolerance for cultural and political diversity covered the festival highlighting the spirit of human custodial violence and other violations and demand domestic violence, by escorting victims to police and commitments to democratic values and practice. rights and popular protests against HR violations. deterrent action by concerned authorities in thanas, hospitals and lawyers. Participation of ASK trains young students and cultural activists to Three renowned persons, Abdul Matin (Language partnership with 10 PNGOs in 10 Districts. In 40 women has increased substantially as a result of dramatise human rights so as to encourage a Movement), Ferdousi Majumder (Theatre) and Union MSP and MNS members have played a these discourse on these concerns and sensitize the Professor Sarder Fazlul Karim (Education) were proactive role to protest and prevent HRV, by MAP members were motivated in meetings, community to realize rights and entitlements. recognized for their outstanding contributions to the collecting information on rights violations, escorting workshops and trainings to extend voluntary support Voluntary student teams attend a six-day residential Language Movement, liberation war, Bangla victims to thanas, hospitals, lawyers, court, and in cases of violence against women and to assist course on human rights and gender relations under Literature and Democratic and cultural struggles in conducting/attending shalish to clients who could not afford court the supervision of a Guide Teacher. The training has resolve disputes, organizing rallies, expenses. MAP is now functioning resulted in the formation of 40 volunteer groups BNAD members participated in a competition on submitting memoranda and issuing as an independent organization amongst 40 secondary school students known as general knowledge and acting skills, with members press alerts in cases of HR violation. giving voluntary support to the Biddaloy Nattya Dol (BNAD) being judged on solo As a result, members of the and amongst the youth known community have raised demands for attended 107 Legal Aid Camps as Manabadhikar Nattya responses to questions on justice, good governance and organised by MSP and MNS, where HR, history, liberation war, elimination of discrimination. The they gave legal advice to 85 men and science, current affairs, etc. unit has assisted in the formation of 25 women. MAP lawyers filed 20 performed dramas, published The contribution of MNPs or Manobadhikar Ainjibi Parishad cases under GLAF on behalf of 9 wall magazines, participated (MAP), is a federation of district men and 13 women and organized in debates and cultural groups to the cultural and two study circles on right to competitions and celebrated social life in the districts was advice and voluntary services to the information, national human rights significant days, to increase recognized by national disempowered. MAP extends its commission rules and Public awareness of human rights in cultural groups such as voluntary support through attendig the community and enhanced legal camps organised by CBOs, their own understanding Shanskriti Jote and Group giving legal advice, filing cases participants from MSP, MNS, MAP, Third National Wall Magazine festival in Dhaka National flag hoisted by ED at the through study circles. The Theatre Federation etc.
under Govt. Free Legal Aid Fund PNGOs for the first time attended a opening of CBO Conference theatre themes dramatized in 2010 were on trial of They invited MNPs to their programmes and, in (GLAF) and follow up cases through conference on the eve of 10 war criminals, extra judicial killing, sexual return, attended the performances, rallies, and PNGOsand CBOs and conveyed the problems of December to commemorate Rokeya Dibash and harassment, discriminatory education system, dowry, protests sponsored by the MNPs. Neighbouring GLAF to the District Judges. Human Rights day. They explored means to intensify domestic violence, under age marriage etc. After communities too trusted the MNPs to take up local In 2010, MSP and MNS responded to 178 their activities, strengthen their organization, each performance 10 to 15 persons participated in problems and emerging issues. incidents, by escorting 36 victims to thana, hospital overcome their weaknesses, and formulate future and courts, attending 22 shalishes, holding 15 plans.
The Third National Wall Magazine festival was Community Activism for Gender and
workshops with PNGOs, 8 workshops with the PNGOs documented and followed up HRVs and organized in Dhaka in January. More than a hundred government legal aid committees, activating Village crimes every month; they monitored and reported on high schools and organizations displayed 200 ASK promotes dialogues with local elected Courts, organizing 107 legal camps at which 123 men actions taken by MSP, MNP and MAP; they held 30 students' wall magazines with illustrated poems, representatives, officials and members of the and 209 women received legal assistance from MAP workshops and meetings and organised five trainings stories, articles, drama, comics on liberation war of community, both men and women on concepts of members and helped to file 20 cases under on organizational development, advocacy, good Bangladesh, history, human rights, gender, science, gender equality and human rights in the family, Government Legal Aid Fund. governance, leadership, gender relations analysis, current affairs, ethnic diversity, climate, agriculture community and within state institutions so as to Women's Groups held 6 workshops with Union legal and HR issues and held study circles on current and local scholars. A large number of teachers, motivate the community towards gender and social Shalishkars to sensitize them to women's rights and national issues and observance of national days.
guardians, organizers, journalists and readers justice.
attended the festival which was covered by both the Gender and Social Justice (GSJ) Unit has been electronic and print media. This led to a mass instrumental in developing and sustaining three awareness of HR and gender relations.
Community Based Organisations (CBOs) that act "Aingoto Shahayata Prodan Ain, 2000" (Free Legal Aid Fund) enacted on 26 January, 2000 to provide financial support (to the extent of ASK participated in the annual national human locally to promote and protect human rights. Among taka 300,000 in each district) for legal aid for insolvent persons. Provides subsidies for lawyer's fees, expenses during trials and rights theatre festival in March in Dhaka, at which 21 these, Manobadhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad (MSP) additional charges. Constituted with the District Judge (as President), Secretary of the Bar Association (Secretary of the Committee), theatre groups, including representatives from the and Manobadhikar Nari Samaj (MNS) function at the District Magistrate, Police Super, Public Prosecutor, Representatives of Department of Women and Child Affairs, Department of Social Welfare, Local NGOs and others. Lawyers have to submit quarterly reports on their cases to the Committee.
The Guide Teachers were familiarized with concepts of human rights, gender and family laws and in dramatizing these concepts. See Annex, table 1.
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Responded to 669 requests for urgent help clients. Lawyers recovered taka 1,386,424.0 (One against HRV at district level.
million, three hundred and eighty six thousand, four touch with Kakoli's family. In this case the police Coordinated a legal internship program by placing hundred twenty four taka only) as dower, Kakoli of Hazipara village,Shoulgachi Union, officer's action was prompt because the MNS and 26 students from Social Work Department of maintenance of clients and maintenance of child Noagaon, was raped by Morshed Alam when she MSP maintained regular contact with the Police Lalmatia Women's College, Women and Gender through the court.
went fishing. She did not tell her parents because Station and because the police were aware of their Studies Department and Law Department of she felt ashamed and was afraid. When her mother interventions against the violation of human rights. In Dhaka University in different units of ASK. Fifteen came to know that she was 4 months pregnant, she the entire incident PNGO and CBO leaders helped interns were placed in the MRR unit. Length of Women in rural areas are in greater need of legal went to Momena, President of Shoilgachi MNS. file cases, monitored case proceedings in case of internship varied from seven to 60 days, and was support. This is because development programmes Momena advised her to go to the police. The police intimidation of the complainant or influencing the in rural areas tend to focus heavily on health, took up the case and arrested Morshed. Morshed administration to withdraw the case. The staff of Advised 25 couples to marry under the Special education, micro-finance, and promote income admitted the fact. MNS president and others kept in PNGO, CBO and ASK's monitored the case. Marriage Act, and rescued two victims who were generation and production without using a rights illegally confined by their parents because they based approach. ASK has extended its legal aid clinic system in partnership with nine partner NGOs Access to Justice
the terms of the settlement are agreed upon by both Took up 26 complaints of stalking between (PNGOs) in seven districts. The Outreach Four units (Mediation and Rapid Response, parties, they are recorded and given to the parties January to May 2010. In two incidents, after ASK's Programme assists a PNGO to establish, manage Litigation, Outreach and Child Rights Units) provide concerned. The woman client is visited by the Unit's interventions, police filed cases whereas earlier it and operate a legal aid clinic, maintain liaison with a access to justice. This extends from legal support to field workers to ensure compliance with the had been reluctant to take necessary steps. panel of lawyers, practicing in the District Court, and economic and social support and counselling. ASK settlement. If the complaint refers to a cognizable Contributed to drafting the Domestic Violence Act, provide free legal representation to clients. A major initiatives for a legal support system in the city now offence, the matter is referred to the Litigation Unit.
as member of the drafting committee set up by proportion of complaints are settled through extend to villages in collaboration with partner NGOs. Rapid Response to emergencies or incidents of mediation. The clinics are run by para-legal staff Women, workers and working children have gained human rights violations reported by the media or at The Unit responded to 669 requests for urgent help trained by ASK. The duties of a para-legal include access to both the formal (court) and informal other times to requests from clients or different against HRV at district level.
registering complaints, conducting mediations and (shalish) systems of justice. organisations provides immediate protection to follow-up, linking clients with panel lawyers and victims of HR violations. attending court cases. Mediation and Rapid Response
In 2010, the Mediation and Rapid Response Unit took Staff and panel lawyers conduct cases both in and The Outreach Unit interacts with local Bar Women prefer to settle family disputes through outside Dhaka for complaints of cognizable offences Association members and judges for prompt the following action: mediation, because the formal judicial system is time- such as rape, murder, torture, acid burns, dowry, settlement of cases. It has developed a working In 2,221 out of 2,303 requests for legal consuming, expensive, and perceived to be corrupt polygamy, detention, civil revision, criminal appeal, or relationship with local administration, police officials, advice/assistance received from clients physically and biased particularly when it concerns women's other human rights violations. It has facilitated DCs, or by telephone, email and letters. This was 11% issues. Legal aid services are provided at eight on- women's access to the courts, especially in family etc. with whom it has dialogued on issues of gender higher than in the previous year. site clinics in Dhaka and sometimes outside Dhaka in disputes relating to dower, maintenance, discrimination, discriminatory access to justice due to Responded to 3,818 complaints, out of which 993 immediate response to a situation report. Mediation guardianship, divorce, etc., and provided them class, lack of education, and misinterpretation of complaints were registered in 2010 and 2,825 and Rapid Response Unit (MRRU), as the name protection and security. The recovery of dower and religious rules. were carried over from previous years. After taking suggests, negotiates settlements amongst disputants maintenance money through the courts has enabled In 2010, with supervision by the Outreach Unit, in family disputes and responds to emergencies. After proper steps 1,260 complaints were disposed.
ASK's clients to invest in self-employment schemes legal aid clinics registered 801 complaints, its para- that make them self-reliant. The Unit has also filed Complaints Received by Legal Aid Clinics in 2010 (Annex table 2)
legals mediated 373 complaints, and panel lawyers workers' rights cases in court.
filed 85 cases. Together with its partners ASK In 2010, the Unit lawyers have attended to 784 organised discussions and demos to protest sexual clients in the office by registering complaints, giving harassment and stalking, at which there was a advice, etc. Lawyers filed 202 new cases and spontaneous participation by school students and conducted 405 cases from the previous year. Eight local people. Media coverage showed an increasing cases were filed outside Dhaka. 95 cases (60%) were pro-active response in the locality. Training courses disposed off in favour of ASK's clients, 20% cases and workshops were held to upgrade the knowledge settled by clients out of court. In 10% of cases clients and capabilities of PNGO staff and community group gave up their case because of lengthy court process and in 10% cases court decision went against the members on legal and human rights, HR monitoring, See Annex table 4 See Annex table 5 Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Responded to 669 requests for urgent help clients. Lawyers recovered taka 1,386,424.0 (One against HRV at district level.
million, three hundred and eighty six thousand, four touch with Kakoli's family. In this case the police Coordinated a legal internship program by placing hundred twenty four taka only) as dower, Kakoli of Hazipara village,Shoulgachi Union, officer's action was prompt because the MNS and 26 students from Social Work Department of maintenance of clients and maintenance of child Noagaon, was raped by Morshed Alam when she MSP maintained regular contact with the Police Lalmatia Women's College, Women and Gender through the court.
went fishing. She did not tell her parents because Station and because the police were aware of their Studies Department and Law Department of she felt ashamed and was afraid. When her mother interventions against the violation of human rights. In Dhaka University in different units of ASK. Fifteen came to know that she was 4 months pregnant, she the entire incident PNGO and CBO leaders helped interns were placed in the MRR unit. Length of Women in rural areas are in greater need of legal went to Momena, President of Shoilgachi MNS. file cases, monitored case proceedings in case of internship varied from seven to 60 days, and was support. This is because development programmes Momena advised her to go to the police. The police intimidation of the complainant or influencing the in rural areas tend to focus heavily on health, took up the case and arrested Morshed. Morshed administration to withdraw the case. The staff of Advised 25 couples to marry under the Special education, micro-finance, and promote income admitted the fact. MNS president and others kept in PNGO, CBO and ASK's monitored the case. Marriage Act, and rescued two victims who were generation and production without using a rights illegally confined by their parents because they based approach. ASK has extended its legal aid clinic system in partnership with nine partner NGOs Access to Justice
the terms of the settlement are agreed upon by both Took up 26 complaints of stalking between (PNGOs) in seven districts. The Outreach Four units (Mediation and Rapid Response, parties, they are recorded and given to the parties January to May 2010. In two incidents, after ASK's Programme assists a PNGO to establish, manage Litigation, Outreach and Child Rights Units) provide concerned. The woman client is visited by the Unit's interventions, police filed cases whereas earlier it and operate a legal aid clinic, maintain liaison with a access to justice. This extends from legal support to field workers to ensure compliance with the had been reluctant to take necessary steps. panel of lawyers, practicing in the District Court, and economic and social support and counselling. ASK settlement. If the complaint refers to a cognizable Contributed to drafting the Domestic Violence Act, provide free legal representation to clients. A major initiatives for a legal support system in the city now offence, the matter is referred to the Litigation Unit.
as member of the drafting committee set up by proportion of complaints are settled through extend to villages in collaboration with partner NGOs. Rapid Response to emergencies or incidents of mediation. The clinics are run by para-legal staff Women, workers and working children have gained human rights violations reported by the media or at The Unit responded to 669 requests for urgent help trained by ASK. The duties of a para-legal include access to both the formal (court) and informal other times to requests from clients or different against HRV at district level.
registering complaints, conducting mediations and (shalish) systems of justice. organisations provides immediate protection to follow-up, linking clients with panel lawyers and victims of HR violations. attending court cases. Mediation and Rapid Response
In 2010, the Mediation and Rapid Response Unit took Staff and panel lawyers conduct cases both in and The Outreach Unit interacts with local Bar Women prefer to settle family disputes through outside Dhaka for complaints of cognizable offences Association members and judges for prompt the following action: mediation, because the formal judicial system is time- such as rape, murder, torture, acid burns, dowry, settlement of cases. It has developed a working In 2,221 out of 2,303 requests for legal consuming, expensive, and perceived to be corrupt polygamy, detention, civil revision, criminal appeal, or relationship with local administration, police officials, advice/assistance received from clients physically and biased particularly when it concerns women's other human rights violations. It has facilitated DCs, or by telephone, email and letters. This was 11% issues. Legal aid services are provided at eight on- women's access to the courts, especially in family etc. with whom it has dialogued on issues of gender higher than in the previous year. site clinics in Dhaka and sometimes outside Dhaka in disputes relating to dower, maintenance, discrimination, discriminatory access to justice due to Responded to 3,818 complaints, out of which 993 immediate response to a situation report. Mediation guardianship, divorce, etc., and provided them class, lack of education, and misinterpretation of complaints were registered in 2010 and 2,825 and Rapid Response Unit (MRRU), as the name protection and security. The recovery of dower and religious rules. were carried over from previous years. After taking suggests, negotiates settlements amongst disputants maintenance money through the courts has enabled In 2010, with supervision by the Outreach Unit, in family disputes and responds to emergencies. After proper steps 1,260 complaints were disposed.
ASK's clients to invest in self-employment schemes legal aid clinics registered 801 complaints, its para- that make them self-reliant. The Unit has also filed Complaints Received by Legal Aid Clinics in 2010 (Annex table 2)
legals mediated 373 complaints, and panel lawyers workers' rights cases in court.
filed 85 cases. Together with its partners ASK In 2010, the Unit lawyers have attended to 784 organised discussions and demos to protest sexual clients in the office by registering complaints, giving harassment and stalking, at which there was a advice, etc. Lawyers filed 202 new cases and spontaneous participation by school students and conducted 405 cases from the previous year. Eight local people. Media coverage showed an increasing cases were filed outside Dhaka. 95 cases (60%) were pro-active response in the locality. Training courses disposed off in favour of ASK's clients, 20% cases and workshops were held to upgrade the knowledge settled by clients out of court. In 10% of cases clients and capabilities of PNGO staff and community group gave up their case because of lengthy court process and in 10% cases court decision went against the members on legal and human rights, HR monitoring, See Annex table 4 See Annex table 5 Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010


gender relations analysis, personal laws. The Unit Sixty district lawyers have joined the panel for filing committee are formed with employers, teachers, This period can be extended up to an year, with businessmen, retired doctors and government permission of the chief executive. For longer term responded to 277 requests from districts for urgent and conducting court cases, and some of them have officers Household owner associations play an stay, ASK arranges their clients' (violence survivors) help in cases of HRV. The Outreach Unit held formal provided voluntary services. active role in the committee member.
stay at other shelter homes, if they are unable to dialogues with members of the local administration ASK published and disseminated 15,000 copies To discourage rural urban migration of children, return to their own community because of fear of i.e. police officials, District Commissioners, of two awareness raising posters on 1. Equal ASK decided to replicate their Drop-in Centre recurrent violence or social stigma. During their stay magistrates and lawyers, public prosecutors, media, rights, Equal opportunity, Progress for all and 2. programme in Mymensingh and Netrakona, so that they are able to access skill training. They are also local NGOs to coordinate official responses in Narider Uttaykta Korle Khoma Nei, Ghrinnaya E children would stay in their villages and access health provided psycho-social counseling. support of victims of violations. At periodical Aparadh Rukhe Dharao. Ghore Baire Nari Thakuk and education.
ASK has formed a voluntary committee of social workshops the Outreach staff explained to clients the Nirbhoy o Nirapod (No tolerance of sexual In 2010, ASK made significant interventions to workers who oversee the activities of the Halfway current status of their mediation and legal cases and harassment. Women fearless and safe, in and influence policies and programmes for working Home, discuss clients' concerns and problems, and assisted them with psycho-social support when outside of home). This campaign material created suggest remedial action. Women and children in need needed with the help of psycho-social component of a positive impact in the community which was As a member of the network "Establishment of of protection during their case trial are provided with ASK. The Unit also reviewed with CLAG lawyers reflected at different meetings, workshops and Domestic Workers Rights" ASK engaged actively shelter, medical help and counselling. ASK maintains progress of legal cases.
in drafting the Domestic Workers Protection and liaison with clients after a setlement is mediated to Welfare Policy 2010 which was submitted to the ensure that the agreement is observed by both Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Formulated a Dhaka Declaration to incorporate a Support Service and Half Way Home arranges Code of Conduct for protection of child domestic orientation for ASK's clients (attending legal aid workers, after consultations with employers, clinics) and staff of partner NGOs on family laws, ASK-SoDESH joint legal aid program in taken to nearby Kolaroa hospital. As her condition
parents, ward commissioners and CDWs at a women's rights, violence against women to help them defending Burn Victim's Death Case
beame worse, she was referred to Satkhira Sadar national convention which was organized in understand On 9 May 2011, 26 year old Ms. Khadiza Begum, hospital, and then to Khulna Sadar hospital. The collaboration with Save the Children Sweden- mediation and litigation process. In 2010, ASK d/o Abu Bakar and Monowara, village next day she died. Denmark and Together for Working Children. organized training on gender relations analysis for Ilishpur,Thana Kolaroa, District Stakhira was ASK and Shodesh organised a human chain, Supported four ward commissioners conduct clients and staff of half way home. Workshops were surveys of 6,400 households which identified the held on mental health, sexual harassment and sleeping in the courtyard, when her husband which was joined by 20 local organizations and a total number of child domestic workers living in HIV/AIDS. Women's rights in marriage, divorce under Asadul along with four other accomplices set her large number of individuals who demanded fair personal laws were explained. Counseling was also on fire and ran away. Khadiza was severely investigation into her death. A case filed jointly by ASK and Save the Children Sweden-Denmark provided to address tendencies to depression and burned. Immediately after the incident she was ASK-Shodesh is under trial.
conducted a study titled "Child domestic workers suicide amongst women survivors of violence. Clients living inside room and outside law: Role of at the halfway home were given lessons in cutting, government and civil society" in preparation of a tailoring and needlework. Ward Commissioners to maintain a record of CDWs national level advocacy plan.
ASK's psycho-social counselling has broken new ASK runs six Drop-in Centres where working children in their localities. Employers are encouraged to Awareness raising materials were developed to ground in survivor assistance and rehabilitation; it has are able to attend a flexible system of non-formal observe a code of conduct, and violence protection sensitize middle class children to the situation of shown that mental well being is just as important as education. They are also provided health care and child domestic workers. These were included in physical health. Certified/trained ASK staff provided legal protection, in case of abuse by employers, the creativity class of some formal schools.
psycho-social counselling to 132 clients (l22 women parents and/or law enforcement personnel. Child ASK facilitated the formation of three violence and l0 men) in 20l0 to address their emotional stress Rights Unit provided health and legal support to 1,564 protection committees in three working areas of and help cope with their situation. working children in 2010. Mohammadpur, Mirpur and Kalabagan to prevent Since 1998, ASK has arranged courses in ASK organised separate meetings with local abuse and exploitation of child domestic workers. Certified Professional Development in Counselling elected representatives, community members, For example, Mohammadpur Violence Protection which has built a team of professional counsellors in parents, employers to sensitize them to the negative Committee rescued one child domestic worker the country. Qualified experts from other countries consequences of child labour. This has led to the from violence.
were invited to conduct the courses. 63 professionals formation of active employers and parents groups in participated this year. ASK also organised Basic each community who promote and protect the rights Emergency Support Service System
Counselling training/orientation for 155 participants of the child. Since 2007, ASK has been running 27 ASK's emergency support system provides for its own staff and staff from different organisations. Drop-in Centres for full time domestic workers in protection to survivors of violence, particularly women Four organisations (Program for Eco-Social cooperation with employers. The programme and children during court proceedings. It runs a half Development (PESD), Palli Shayastha Unnayan promotes health, education and legal protection of Ward Commissioners presented survey findings on way home which offers a short term stay (l0-l5 days). Shangstha (PSUS), Moitree Palli Unnayan Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) and enourages CDWs to the City Mayor and ED of ASK Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 gender relations analysis, personal laws. The Unit Sixty district lawyers have joined the panel for filing committee are formed with employers, teachers, This period can be extended up to an year, with businessmen, retired doctors and government permission of the chief executive. For longer term responded to 277 requests from districts for urgent and conducting court cases, and some of them have officers Household owner associations play an stay, ASK arranges their clients' (violence survivors) help in cases of HRV. The Outreach Unit held formal provided voluntary services. active role in the committee member.
stay at other shelter homes, if they are unable to dialogues with members of the local administration ASK published and disseminated 15,000 copies To discourage rural urban migration of children, return to their own community because of fear of i.e. police officials, District Commissioners, of two awareness raising posters on 1. Equal ASK decided to replicate their Drop-in Centre recurrent violence or social stigma. During their stay magistrates and lawyers, public prosecutors, media, rights, Equal opportunity, Progress for all and 2. programme in Mymensingh and Netrakona, so that they are able to access skill training. They are also local NGOs to coordinate official responses in Narider Uttaykta Korle Khoma Nei, Ghrinnaya E children would stay in their villages and access health provided psycho-social counseling. support of victims of violations. At periodical Aparadh Rukhe Dharao. Ghore Baire Nari Thakuk and education.
ASK has formed a voluntary committee of social workshops the Outreach staff explained to clients the Nirbhoy o Nirapod (No tolerance of sexual In 2010, ASK made significant interventions to workers who oversee the activities of the Halfway current status of their mediation and legal cases and harassment. Women fearless and safe, in and influence policies and programmes for working Home, discuss clients' concerns and problems, and assisted them with psycho-social support when outside of home). This campaign material created suggest remedial action. Women and children in need needed with the help of psycho-social component of a positive impact in the community which was As a member of the network "Establishment of of protection during their case trial are provided with ASK. The Unit also reviewed with CLAG lawyers reflected at different meetings, workshops and Domestic Workers Rights" ASK engaged actively shelter, medical help and counselling. ASK maintains progress of legal cases.
in drafting the Domestic Workers Protection and liaison with clients after a setlement is mediated to Welfare Policy 2010 which was submitted to the ensure that the agreement is observed by both Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Formulated a Dhaka Declaration to incorporate a Support Service and Half Way Home arranges Code of Conduct for protection of child domestic orientation for ASK's clients (attending legal aid workers, after consultations with employers, clinics) and staff of partner NGOs on family laws, ASK-SoDESH joint legal aid program in taken to nearby Kolaroa hospital. As her condition
parents, ward commissioners and CDWs at a women's rights, violence against women to help them defending Burn Victim's Death Case
beame worse, she was referred to Satkhira Sadar national convention which was organized in understand On 9 May 2011, 26 year old Ms. Khadiza Begum, hospital, and then to Khulna Sadar hospital. The collaboration with Save the Children Sweden- mediation and litigation process. In 2010, ASK d/o Abu Bakar and Monowara, village next day she died. Denmark and Together for Working Children. organized training on gender relations analysis for Ilishpur,Thana Kolaroa, District Stakhira was ASK and Shodesh organised a human chain, Supported four ward commissioners conduct clients and staff of half way home. Workshops were surveys of 6,400 households which identified the held on mental health, sexual harassment and sleeping in the courtyard, when her husband which was joined by 20 local organizations and a total number of child domestic workers living in HIV/AIDS. Women's rights in marriage, divorce under Asadul along with four other accomplices set her large number of individuals who demanded fair personal laws were explained. Counseling was also on fire and ran away. Khadiza was severely investigation into her death. A case filed jointly by ASK and Save the Children Sweden-Denmark provided to address tendencies to depression and burned. Immediately after the incident she was ASK-Shodesh is under trial.
conducted a study titled "Child domestic workers suicide amongst women survivors of violence. Clients living inside room and outside law: Role of at the halfway home were given lessons in cutting, government and civil society" in preparation of a tailoring and needlework. Ward Commissioners to maintain a record of CDWs national level advocacy plan.
ASK's psycho-social counselling has broken new ASK runs six Drop-in Centres where working children in their localities. Employers are encouraged to Awareness raising materials were developed to ground in survivor assistance and rehabilitation; it has are able to attend a flexible system of non-formal observe a code of conduct, and violence protection sensitize middle class children to the situation of shown that mental well being is just as important as education. They are also provided health care and child domestic workers. These were included in physical health. Certified/trained ASK staff provided legal protection, in case of abuse by employers, the creativity class of some formal schools.
psycho-social counselling to 132 clients (l22 women parents and/or law enforcement personnel. Child ASK facilitated the formation of three violence and l0 men) in 20l0 to address their emotional stress Rights Unit provided health and legal support to 1,564 protection committees in three working areas of and help cope with their situation. working children in 2010. Mohammadpur, Mirpur and Kalabagan to prevent Since 1998, ASK has arranged courses in ASK organised separate meetings with local abuse and exploitation of child domestic workers. Certified Professional Development in Counselling elected representatives, community members, For example, Mohammadpur Violence Protection which has built a team of professional counsellors in parents, employers to sensitize them to the negative Committee rescued one child domestic worker the country. Qualified experts from other countries consequences of child labour. This has led to the from violence.
were invited to conduct the courses. 63 professionals formation of active employers and parents groups in participated this year. ASK also organised Basic each community who promote and protect the rights Emergency Support Service System
Counselling training/orientation for 155 participants of the child. Since 2007, ASK has been running 27 ASK's emergency support system provides for its own staff and staff from different organisations. Drop-in Centres for full time domestic workers in protection to survivors of violence, particularly women Four organisations (Program for Eco-Social cooperation with employers. The programme and children during court proceedings. It runs a half Development (PESD), Palli Shayastha Unnayan promotes health, education and legal protection of Ward Commissioners presented survey findings on way home which offers a short term stay (l0-l5 days). Shangstha (PSUS), Moitree Palli Unnayan Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) and enourages CDWs to the City Mayor and ED of ASK Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Sangathan (MPUS) and Concern Worldwide) lobbying with policy makers (Legal Advocacy and rehabilitation. Other write ups: constitutional Six issues of Ainer Katha (Paribarik Adalat requested ASK for training on Counselling & Effective Policy Reform Unit) amendment, human rights, student politics, Pilkhana Addhadesh, Hindu Paribarik Ain, Muslim Ain e Communication, Psycho-social Support & Ÿ Publicity through mass media (print and tragedy, National Human Rights Commission. Bibaha, Denmohor, Talak, Abhibhaabakatta, Counselling skills, Communication strategies of electronic), alternative media (website, blogs) and June issue - "National Human Rights Commission Bharanpashan) for training unit (See Annex table 8).
Psycho-social support, Basic Counselling and international forums (Media and International (NHRC)" based on interviews with former chairman of Listening Skills. Local and foreign experts conducted NHRC, Justice Amirul Kabir Chowdhury and present courses on psycho-social counseling for 63 chairman Dr. Mijanur Rahman. Other articles: law, Twenty articles by ASK staff and writers published in participants, and basic orientation to l55 ASK staff and ASK's Bulletin were written for newspapers on staff from other organizations. One Dissemination Human Rights in Bangladesh 2009: A summary
following subjects: trial of war criminals, student Forum on Psychological well-being of the Society: human rights report of 2009 (in English) and full report Distribution of Bulletin by Category
politics, review of laws, National Human Rights Need for Professional Mental Health Counselors was (in Bangla) was published (with contribution from Commission, garment workers, migration, sexual formed with 144 participants (56 women, 88 men) at different units and individual writers.
harassment, extra judicial killing, eve teasing, Dhaka University.
New Research theme: Assessment of situation of
Consumer Protection Act 2009, maritime boundaries (DC, Plice, Prison In 2010, 376 registered legal aid seekers (Annex ASK's clients during the last decade, and its role in of Bangladesh, compilation of laws which have table 7) stayed in the Half Way Home and received defending their rights. The objectives were to passed and amended in 2009, early marriage, fatwa, other support. Awareness raising courses were held (i) identify the social and economic background of family violence 2010, human rights activist Salma for 567 clients, and liaison was maintained with them. ASK clients, nature of their legal problems, their expectations; (ii) assess if ASK's legal aid system Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform
responds to clients' expectations and (iii) suggest ASK's campaigns and advocacy for law and policy improvements and need for legal reform. reform to prevent, promote and protect human rights Ongoing research study: 'Quantitative Survey of
of all irrespective of class, caste, sex, religion, Rag pickers in Dhaka Metropolitan City' undertaken language, age, sexual orientation have been carried by ASK's Research Fellow. out by four units: Joint Research: With Oxfam-Novib and TISCO
Ÿ Research to identify the gaps between the law and (Tilburg Institute for the Interdisplinary Studies of Civil its implementation (Research Unit) Law and Conflict Systems) on effectiveness of justice Publications, periodicals and commissioned system of Bangladesh. The research findings were September issue - War Crimes Tribunal. Other write- articles to mobilise public opinion and stimulate shared at study circles. ups including High Court judgment on Fatwa and discussions on the need for new laws, Borkha, and sexual harassment by teachers in amendments or policy reform (Publication and Communication and Publication
educational institutions. Communication Unit) ASK's publications have raised issues of public December issue - Rehabilitation of women war Ÿ Legal advocacy through public interest litigation or interest, particularly relating to rule of law, democracy victims based on interview with Dr. Hameeda Hossain Publication Ceremony of the Book Shompadak Shomipeshu and human rights and stimulated discussions on (founder member and Chairperson of ASK). Other at Ekushey Book Fair good governance, non-discrimination and social write ups:constitutional amendments, review of all laws and amendments of 2010, legal, human and women rights issues. Meetings/study circles were held with journalists/ Bulletin
bulletin readers/law students/lawyers in Dhaka and Bulletin is a quarterly publication that focuses on Publications in 2010
outside to get a feed back on issues raised in the contemporary law and policy issues. Four issues 3 edition of Public Interest Litigation- ‘Jonosharthey Bulletin, and to identify potential contributors. Two were published during the year, the total print number Mamla' (500 copies. 250 copies distributed to meetings were held with law students of a private being 24,000 copies.
members of ASK, law students, lawyers, human University in Sylhet and in Chittagong University, with rights activists, NGOs, donors and Bulletin readers). students, lawyers, journalists, NGO staff, and March issue - rehabilitation of women war victims Shompadak Shomipeshu, a compilation of ASK members of local community organizations.
based on an interview with Taherunnesa Abdullah Press releases published between 2000 to 2009 (500 (founder member of ASK) and an article on Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform
Launching of Human Rights Report, 2009 international perspective of women's post war 2 edition of Paribarik Ain e Bangladesher Nari, a Advocacy for law and policy reform was carried out by compilation of personal laws of all religions-Muslim, filing public interest litigation in collaboration with Hindu and Christian (1000 copies). The first edition other organizations and senior lawyers), organising was published in 1997. campaigns, preparing policy briefs and submitting weMZ k‡K AvmK n‡Z AvBb mnvqZv cÖvß K¬v‡q›U‡ i eZgvb Ae¯'v Ges K¬v‡q›U‡ i AwaKvi wbwðZKiY I m‡PZbZv ˆZwi‡Z Avm‡Ki fywgKv Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Sangathan (MPUS) and Concern Worldwide) lobbying with policy makers (Legal Advocacy and rehabilitation. Other write ups: constitutional Six issues of Ainer Katha (Paribarik Adalat requested ASK for training on Counselling & Effective Policy Reform Unit) amendment, human rights, student politics, Pilkhana Addhadesh, Hindu Paribarik Ain, Muslim Ain e Communication, Psycho-social Support & Ÿ Publicity through mass media (print and tragedy, National Human Rights Commission. Bibaha, Denmohor, Talak, Abhibhaabakatta, Counselling skills, Communication strategies of electronic), alternative media (website, blogs) and June issue - "National Human Rights Commission Bharanpashan) for training unit (See Annex table 8).
Psycho-social support, Basic Counselling and international forums (Media and International (NHRC)" based on interviews with former chairman of Listening Skills. Local and foreign experts conducted NHRC, Justice Amirul Kabir Chowdhury and present courses on psycho-social counseling for 63 chairman Dr. Mijanur Rahman. Other articles: law, Twenty articles by ASK staff and writers published in participants, and basic orientation to l55 ASK staff and ASK's Bulletin were written for newspapers on staff from other organizations. One Dissemination Human Rights in Bangladesh 2009: A summary
following subjects: trial of war criminals, student Forum on Psychological well-being of the Society: human rights report of 2009 (in English) and full report Distribution of Bulletin by Category
politics, review of laws, National Human Rights Need for Professional Mental Health Counselors was (in Bangla) was published (with contribution from Commission, garment workers, migration, sexual formed with 144 participants (56 women, 88 men) at different units and individual writers.
harassment, extra judicial killing, eve teasing, Dhaka University.
New Research theme: Assessment of situation of
Consumer Protection Act 2009, maritime boundaries (DC, Plice, Prison In 2010, 376 registered legal aid seekers (Annex ASK's clients during the last decade, and its role in of Bangladesh, compilation of laws which have table 7) stayed in the Half Way Home and received defending their rights. The objectives were to passed and amended in 2009, early marriage, fatwa, other support. Awareness raising courses were held (i) identify the social and economic background of family violence 2010, human rights activist Salma for 567 clients, and liaison was maintained with them. ASK clients, nature of their legal problems, their expectations; (ii) assess if ASK's legal aid system Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform
responds to clients' expectations and (iii) suggest ASK's campaigns and advocacy for law and policy improvements and need for legal reform. reform to prevent, promote and protect human rights Ongoing research study: 'Quantitative Survey of
of all irrespective of class, caste, sex, religion, Rag pickers in Dhaka Metropolitan City' undertaken language, age, sexual orientation have been carried by ASK's Research Fellow. out by four units: Joint Research: With Oxfam-Novib and TISCO
Ÿ Research to identify the gaps between the law and (Tilburg Institute for the Interdisplinary Studies of Civil its implementation (Research Unit) Law and Conflict Systems) on effectiveness of justice Publications, periodicals and commissioned system of Bangladesh. The research findings were September issue - War Crimes Tribunal. Other write- articles to mobilise public opinion and stimulate shared at study circles. ups including High Court judgment on Fatwa and discussions on the need for new laws, Borkha, and sexual harassment by teachers in amendments or policy reform (Publication and Communication and Publication
educational institutions. Communication Unit) ASK's publications have raised issues of public December issue - Rehabilitation of women war Ÿ Legal advocacy through public interest litigation or interest, particularly relating to rule of law, democracy victims based on interview with Dr. Hameeda Hossain Publication Ceremony of the Book Shompadak Shomipeshu and human rights and stimulated discussions on (founder member and Chairperson of ASK). Other at Ekushey Book Fair good governance, non-discrimination and social write ups:constitutional amendments, review of all laws and amendments of 2010, legal, human and women rights issues. Meetings/study circles were held with journalists/ Bulletin
bulletin readers/law students/lawyers in Dhaka and Bulletin is a quarterly publication that focuses on Publications in 2010
outside to get a feed back on issues raised in the contemporary law and policy issues. Four issues 3 edition of Public Interest Litigation- ‘Jonosharthey Bulletin, and to identify potential contributors. Two were published during the year, the total print number Mamla' (500 copies. 250 copies distributed to meetings were held with law students of a private being 24,000 copies.
members of ASK, law students, lawyers, human University in Sylhet and in Chittagong University, with rights activists, NGOs, donors and Bulletin readers). students, lawyers, journalists, NGO staff, and March issue - rehabilitation of women war victims Shompadak Shomipeshu, a compilation of ASK members of local community organizations.
based on an interview with Taherunnesa Abdullah Press releases published between 2000 to 2009 (500 (founder member of ASK) and an article on Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform
Launching of Human Rights Report, 2009 international perspective of women's post war 2 edition of Paribarik Ain e Bangladesher Nari, a Advocacy for law and policy reform was carried out by compilation of personal laws of all religions-Muslim, filing public interest litigation in collaboration with Hindu and Christian (1000 copies). The first edition other organizations and senior lawyers), organising was published in 1997. campaigns, preparing policy briefs and submitting weMZ k‡K AvmK n‡Z AvBb mnvqZv cÖvß K¬v‡q›U‡ i eZgvb Ae¯'v Ges K¬v‡q›U‡ i AwaKvi wbwðZKiY I m‡PZbZv ˆZwi‡Z Avm‡Ki fywgKv Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Since information leads to a demand for memoranda to national and international agencies. recognition of rights amongst survivors and the local PIL briefs and policy memoranda were based on fact Particulars of completion of sentences of foreign community, ASK has trained journalists in fact finding finding investigations (sometimes in cooperation with prisoners from different jails of Bangladesh were investigations and formed human rights defenders the Investigation Unit) and legal research into forums in in l5 districts. This has facilitated local incidents of human rights violations. Reported complaint to police that village responses and pressed for action by public institutions arbitration concealed an attempted rape in to prevent injustice and promote good governance. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Muradnagar thana, Comilla district. Police Training in investigation methodology has increased The Unit filed nine PILs to protect the following rights: registered case under section 9(4)(b) of Nari o capacity of human rights defenders to conduct fact- Right to Life-Writ Petition No-4919/2010 (BELA Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain (amendment) 2003.
finding investigation. 52 participants from 15 districts Submitted documents on war crimes to the Chief attended the training, during which they reported on Right to Freedom from Torture-Writ petition No- Investigator of the War Crimes Tribunal. This 62 incidents. Local investigations were an effective 5684/2010 (BLAST and ASK) included a copy of the East Pakistan Razakars means of alerting the administration and in procuring Right to Shelter-Writ Petition No 974 of 2010 Ordinance which could not be located in any Discussion Meeting on Stalking against women legal remedy for the victim. (Annex table 9).
(Petitioners- ASK and four slum dwellers-Madina Government office.
In accordance with its consultative status with Ÿ In 2010, the Unit sent letters and memoranda in Begum, Kajal Tara, Feroza Bagum and Md. Ÿ UNECOSOC, in 2010 ASK disseminated information 183 cases (including 58 investigation reports), to Metropolitan Police to take necessary steps relating to rights in Bangladesh, liaised with the UN relevant authorities including the Chairmen, Right to Health-Writ Petition No.1360/2010 against the persons involved in handing over the Mission in Geneva and endorsed several memoranda National Human Rights Commission, Secretary, (Petitioners- BLAST, ASK and Ainur Rashid, bodies of unidentified dead from Khulna Medical to UN bodies (see page 27). Director/Assistant Secretary of relevant ministry, College Hospital without informing the police and Media and International Advocacy Unit IGP, Police Superintendent, Officer in Charge and Writ petition No-4319/2010 (Petitioner- ASK) conducting postmortem. other government officers to request action.
Right to Privacy-Writ Petition No- 146/2010 Parliamentarians from Indonesia, along with Steps Qualitative Investigative rep orting and (Petitioners-ASK and Nowrin Tabassum, Campaigns for Implementing Policies
Towards Development sponsored by APWLD's documentation of at least 105 incidents of HRVs ASK participated in campaigns and dialogues, Exchange Programme and improved website layout were made available to HR activists, and GO/NGO Right to Employment -Writ Petition No- 2932/2010 which led to implementation of schemes for and updating of information. for legal action, litigation, research and advocacy.
(Petitioners-Shapan Chowkider, Complainant, constructing ramps, proper toilet facilities and installing elevators in the Supreme Court for Environmental Rights-Writ Petition No-6072/2010 physically challenged persons. Transparency and Accountability of
Human Rights Violations Investigated
in 2010 (Annex table 10)
(Petitioners- BELA and ASK).
Consultations were held with lawyers of BLAST, Public Institutions
Investigation and Documentation Units are
42 PIL cases are pending for hearing and steps have BIDS, CUS, CUP, UPPR and DSK on the responsible for field investigations and compilation of been taken for extension of stay, maintaining status data from the print media on human rights violations. quo, applying for court direction to comply with Rehabilitation programme for slum dwellers and The purpose is to draw attention to the role of public orders, legal notices, so as to carry the process to finalize draft bill on prevention of eviction of institutions in preventing and promoting human rights. slum dwellers.
Fact finding reports were used for legal action, High Court Division gave favourable judgments in published in ASK's Bulletin or in national newspapers. two PILs: Writ petition no 754/20l0 (fatwa case) Media & International Advocacy
Fact-finding investigations and documentation help to and 234/2004 (Biri Factory Case).
ASK has used the print media and its own website to create an indirect pressure for accountability and disseminate appeals and alerts on student clashes at transparency of public institutions. Law and Policy Review
Dhaka and Rajshahi Universities, misuse of power by Investigation Unit formed l5 HRD forums (three The Unit reviewed and commented on draft of a law enforcement agency, extra judicial killing, border formed in 2010) in fifteen districts to monitor, Private Member's Bill on Prevention of eviction of clashes, stalking, violence on journalists, labour investigate and respond to HR issues at the local Slum Dwellers from Public Land 2009 and unrest, etc. Two Opeds titled ‘Human Rights situation submitted recommendations on the draft to the of Bangladesh 2010- ASK's observation' and ‘Home At least 30% of reports on HRV incidents (620) Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Land were shared with ASK units, HRD Forum members Minister-Control your agencies' regarding ongoing and submitted to relevant government authorities.
extra judicial killings were published in national print In collaboration with Manusher Junno drafted The HR Resource Centre has a collection of law media and two press conferences were organized recommendations for the proposed Hindu books, reports, human rights literature and Marriage Bill and submitted to the committee one on stalking against women and another to launch newspaper clippings in both English and Bangla. working on the draft.
the Human Rights Report 2009.
Newspaper clippings filed subject wise by the Documentation Unit were used during the year in filing complaints, sending alerts and drafting See pages 23-25 for details of cases Fact-finding training conduct by Investigation Unit Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Since information leads to a demand for memoranda to national and international agencies. recognition of rights amongst survivors and the local PIL briefs and policy memoranda were based on fact Particulars of completion of sentences of foreign community, ASK has trained journalists in fact finding finding investigations (sometimes in cooperation with prisoners from different jails of Bangladesh were investigations and formed human rights defenders the Investigation Unit) and legal research into forums in in l5 districts. This has facilitated local incidents of human rights violations. Reported complaint to police that village responses and pressed for action by public institutions arbitration concealed an attempted rape in to prevent injustice and promote good governance. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Muradnagar thana, Comilla district. Police Training in investigation methodology has increased The Unit filed nine PILs to protect the following rights: registered case under section 9(4)(b) of Nari o capacity of human rights defenders to conduct fact- Right to Life-Writ Petition No-4919/2010 (BELA Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain (amendment) 2003.
finding investigation. 52 participants from 15 districts Submitted documents on war crimes to the Chief attended the training, during which they reported on Right to Freedom from Torture-Writ petition No- Investigator of the War Crimes Tribunal. This 62 incidents. Local investigations were an effective 5684/2010 (BLAST and ASK) included a copy of the East Pakistan Razakars means of alerting the administration and in procuring Right to Shelter-Writ Petition No 974 of 2010 Ordinance which could not be located in any Discussion Meeting on Stalking against women legal remedy for the victim. (Annex table 9).
(Petitioners- ASK and four slum dwellers-Madina Government office.
In accordance with its consultative status with Ÿ In 2010, the Unit sent letters and memoranda in Begum, Kajal Tara, Feroza Bagum and Md. Ÿ UNECOSOC, in 2010 ASK disseminated information 183 cases (including 58 investigation reports), to Metropolitan Police to take necessary steps relating to rights in Bangladesh, liaised with the UN relevant authorities including the Chairmen, Right to Health-Writ Petition No.1360/2010 against the persons involved in handing over the Mission in Geneva and endorsed several memoranda National Human Rights Commission, Secretary, (Petitioners- BLAST, ASK and Ainur Rashid, bodies of unidentified dead from Khulna Medical to UN bodies (see page 27). Director/Assistant Secretary of relevant ministry, College Hospital without informing the police and Media and International Advocacy Unit IGP, Police Superintendent, Officer in Charge and Writ petition No-4319/2010 (Petitioner- ASK) conducting postmortem. other government officers to request action.
Right to Privacy-Writ Petition No- 146/2010 Parliamentarians from Indonesia, along with Steps Qualitative Investigative rep orting and (Petitioners-ASK and Nowrin Tabassum, Campaigns for Implementing Policies
Towards Development sponsored by APWLD's documentation of at least 105 incidents of HRVs ASK participated in campaigns and dialogues, Exchange Programme and improved website layout were made available to HR activists, and GO/NGO Right to Employment -Writ Petition No- 2932/2010 which led to implementation of schemes for and updating of information. for legal action, litigation, research and advocacy.
(Petitioners-Shapan Chowkider, Complainant, constructing ramps, proper toilet facilities and installing elevators in the Supreme Court for Environmental Rights-Writ Petition No-6072/2010 physically challenged persons. Transparency and Accountability of
Human Rights Violations Investigated
in 2010 (Annex table 10)
(Petitioners- BELA and ASK).
Consultations were held with lawyers of BLAST, Public Institutions
Investigation and Documentation Units are
42 PIL cases are pending for hearing and steps have BIDS, CUS, CUP, UPPR and DSK on the responsible for field investigations and compilation of been taken for extension of stay, maintaining status data from the print media on human rights violations. quo, applying for court direction to comply with Rehabilitation programme for slum dwellers and The purpose is to draw attention to the role of public orders, legal notices, so as to carry the process to finalize draft bill on prevention of eviction of institutions in preventing and promoting human rights. slum dwellers.
Fact finding reports were used for legal action, High Court Division gave favourable judgments in published in ASK's Bulletin or in national newspapers. two PILs: Writ petition no 754/20l0 (fatwa case) Media & International Advocacy
Fact-finding investigations and documentation help to and 234/2004 (Biri Factory Case).
ASK has used the print media and its own website to create an indirect pressure for accountability and disseminate appeals and alerts on student clashes at transparency of public institutions. Law and Policy Review
Dhaka and Rajshahi Universities, misuse of power by Investigation Unit formed l5 HRD forums (three The Unit reviewed and commented on draft of a law enforcement agency, extra judicial killing, border formed in 2010) in fifteen districts to monitor, Private Member's Bill on Prevention of eviction of clashes, stalking, violence on journalists, labour investigate and respond to HR issues at the local Slum Dwellers from Public Land 2009 and unrest, etc. Two Opeds titled ‘Human Rights situation submitted recommendations on the draft to the of Bangladesh 2010- ASK's observation' and ‘Home At least 30% of reports on HRV incidents (620) Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Land were shared with ASK units, HRD Forum members Minister-Control your agencies' regarding ongoing and submitted to relevant government authorities.
extra judicial killings were published in national print In collaboration with Manusher Junno drafted The HR Resource Centre has a collection of law media and two press conferences were organized recommendations for the proposed Hindu books, reports, human rights literature and Marriage Bill and submitted to the committee one on stalking against women and another to launch newspaper clippings in both English and Bangla. working on the draft.
the Human Rights Report 2009.
Newspaper clippings filed subject wise by the Documentation Unit were used during the year in filing complaints, sending alerts and drafting See pages 23-25 for details of cases Fact-finding training conduct by Investigation Unit Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 memoranda. ASK's collection of 8,970 books and Stregthening Institutional System
reports is maintained in a CDS/ISIS database.
The Administration Unit provided administrative and logistic back up, information, human resources Enhancing Capacity of Human Rights Actors
development for implementation of ASK's ASK seeks to impart knowledge on legal and human programmes. Accounts and Finance Unit was Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform rights so as to strengthen community activism and responsible for financial transactions, monitoring enhance the capacity of human rights defenders to budget expenditure and explaining to staff about prevent violations. The courses have clarified some budgeting and financial management. The Planning, legal issues, encouraged peaceful means of dispute ublic interest litigations filed in the higher courts ASK took the responsibility to disseminate the Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Unit prepared resolution, emphasised importance of networking, by legal aid and human rights organizations judgment to all 4,700 Union Parishads, all Police project proposals, coordinated plans and monitored etc. User-friendly modules and materials have been implementation; maintained liaison with donors; replicated by several other organisations.
Phave set precedents for institutional intervention Superintendents and Deputy Commissioners and 55 in compliance with state obligations. Favourable NGOs working for women rights and did the same. compiled and prepared reports; maintained Course evaluations and follow-up reports showed judgments have been used in aid of advocacy for management information system. that ASK's training programmes have significantly legislative reform and implementation of policy. 2
. Fire and Safety
In 2010, institutional system was improved by the raised (a) consciousness of human rights and justice; Below are listed some of the public interest litigations Following newspaper reports on a devastating fire in a (b) enhanced activism for a fair justice system and (c) following actions: filed by ASK together with several leading human building in Neemtali, Dhaka, ASK, BLAST, BELA and facilitated intervention in incidence of domestic Amendment and implementation of Service rights organizations to correct collective wrongs. Nijera Kori filed a writ petition in the High Court Rules; operationalisation of purchase policy; ASK has also interacted with Government initiatives challenging the failure of the government to prevent In 2010, the Training Unit organized and implementation of Gender Policy; facilitating for changes in policies and laws. The purpose it to fire and limit damage and to prevent unauthorised conducted 53 courses (total participants: 1138, trainings/workshops/seminars/meetings/study create a framework of rights to implement expansion Women: 719 women and Men: 419) on Human and circles, etc.; selection of a l2 member committee and constitutional guarantees in line with Bangladesh's Dhaka City (Nimtoli) resulting in 120 deaths. Women Rights, Legal Issues, Combating Violence a Gender Focal person (The Sr. Deputy Director of commitment to international human rights. The High Court issued show cause as to why the against Women, Gender Based Violence (GBV), Gender and Social Justice Unit selected as the government should not be declared to have failed to Advocacy and Campaign, Facilitation and Gender Focal Point); selection of Information Officer Right to Life
prevent fire out breaks in old Dhaka City and to Communication Skill, Gender Relations Analysis, for ASK in compliance with Bangladesh Information 1. Fatwa Case
prevent unauthorized setting up of chemical TOT on Module Writing and Manual Development Act, 2009 (Senior Investigator Abu Ahmed Faijul and Foundation course for ASK staff. Forty two Investigation, Litigation, Mediation and Advocacy Unit warehouses, and why the Government should not be Kabir of Investigation Unit selected as the Information courses were planned and 11 were conducted upon staff visited the victim's house to verify news reports of directed to remove the chemical warehouses from old officer); formed and operationalised Sexual requests from different organizations (See Annex 101 lashes inflicted upon a 16 years old girl in Kashba Dhaka City. The case is now pending for hearing.
tables 11and 12).
Harassment complaints Committee.
Upazilla, Brahmanbaria district on grounds of extra The Government formed a committee to identify marital pregnancy. With Advocate Salauddin Dolon dangerous constructions and to remove chemical as petitioner, ASK, BLAST, Nijera Kori, Mohila warehouses. Parisad and BRAC filed a writ petition in the High Court (Writ Petition No.754 /2010). Right to Freedom from Torture
The Court declared fatwas instigating extra Following news reports published between March judicial punishment illegal and punishable offence and July 2010 regarding corporal punishment in and issued the following directions: educational institutions, ASK and BLAST filed a writ Persons involved in pronouncing and executing petition (Writ Petition No.5684 of 2010 on punishment in the name of fatwa or in abetting in 18.07.2010) challenging the failure of the the act shall be liable for committing a criminal Government to prevent degrading punishment leading to physical and mental injury by teachers on Law enforcement agencies, Union Parishad and school and Madrassah students. Pourashava members shall take immediate steps The High Court issued Rule Nisi directing the against persons pronouncing fatwa and shall Ministry of Education to investigate and prosecute the undertake awareness-building programmes to teachers responsible for corporal punishment on prevent the same.
students, and directed the Education Ministry to issue Ministry of Education shall include a chapter on a circular to all primary, secondary and Madrassah the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law in educational institutions instructing them to refrain the syllabus of all educational institutions to from discourage extra-judicial punishment in the name In response the Ministry of Education issued instructions to all Primary, Secondary schools and Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 memoranda. ASK's collection of 8,970 books and Stregthening Institutional System
reports is maintained in a CDS/ISIS database.
The Administration Unit provided administrative and logistic back up, information, human resources Enhancing Capacity of Human Rights Actors
development for implementation of ASK's ASK seeks to impart knowledge on legal and human programmes. Accounts and Finance Unit was Advocacy for Law and Policy Reform rights so as to strengthen community activism and responsible for financial transactions, monitoring enhance the capacity of human rights defenders to budget expenditure and explaining to staff about prevent violations. The courses have clarified some budgeting and financial management. The Planning, legal issues, encouraged peaceful means of dispute ublic interest litigations filed in the higher courts ASK took the responsibility to disseminate the Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Unit prepared resolution, emphasised importance of networking, by legal aid and human rights organizations judgment to all 4,700 Union Parishads, all Police project proposals, coordinated plans and monitored etc. User-friendly modules and materials have been implementation; maintained liaison with donors; replicated by several other organisations.
Phave set precedents for institutional intervention Superintendents and Deputy Commissioners and 55 in compliance with state obligations. Favourable NGOs working for women rights and did the same. compiled and prepared reports; maintained Course evaluations and follow-up reports showed judgments have been used in aid of advocacy for management information system. that ASK's training programmes have significantly legislative reform and implementation of policy. 2
. Fire and Safety
In 2010, institutional system was improved by the raised (a) consciousness of human rights and justice; Below are listed some of the public interest litigations Following newspaper reports on a devastating fire in a (b) enhanced activism for a fair justice system and (c) following actions: filed by ASK together with several leading human building in Neemtali, Dhaka, ASK, BLAST, BELA and facilitated intervention in incidence of domestic Amendment and implementation of Service rights organizations to correct collective wrongs. Nijera Kori filed a writ petition in the High Court Rules; operationalisation of purchase policy; ASK has also interacted with Government initiatives challenging the failure of the government to prevent In 2010, the Training Unit organized and implementation of Gender Policy; facilitating for changes in policies and laws. The purpose it to fire and limit damage and to prevent unauthorised conducted 53 courses (total participants: 1138, trainings/workshops/seminars/meetings/study create a framework of rights to implement expansion Women: 719 women and Men: 419) on Human and circles, etc.; selection of a l2 member committee and constitutional guarantees in line with Bangladesh's Dhaka City (Nimtoli) resulting in 120 deaths. Women Rights, Legal Issues, Combating Violence a Gender Focal person (The Sr. Deputy Director of commitment to international human rights. The High Court issued show cause as to why the against Women, Gender Based Violence (GBV), Gender and Social Justice Unit selected as the government should not be declared to have failed to Advocacy and Campaign, Facilitation and Gender Focal Point); selection of Information Officer Right to Life
prevent fire out breaks in old Dhaka City and to Communication Skill, Gender Relations Analysis, for ASK in compliance with Bangladesh Information 1. Fatwa Case
prevent unauthorized setting up of chemical TOT on Module Writing and Manual Development Act, 2009 (Senior Investigator Abu Ahmed Faijul and Foundation course for ASK staff. Forty two Investigation, Litigation, Mediation and Advocacy Unit warehouses, and why the Government should not be Kabir of Investigation Unit selected as the Information courses were planned and 11 were conducted upon staff visited the victim's house to verify news reports of directed to remove the chemical warehouses from old officer); formed and operationalised Sexual requests from different organizations (See Annex 101 lashes inflicted upon a 16 years old girl in Kashba Dhaka City. The case is now pending for hearing.
tables 11and 12).
Harassment complaints Committee.
Upazilla, Brahmanbaria district on grounds of extra The Government formed a committee to identify marital pregnancy. With Advocate Salauddin Dolon dangerous constructions and to remove chemical as petitioner, ASK, BLAST, Nijera Kori, Mohila warehouses. Parisad and BRAC filed a writ petition in the High Court (Writ Petition No.754 /2010). Right to Freedom from Torture
The Court declared fatwas instigating extra Following news reports published between March judicial punishment illegal and punishable offence and July 2010 regarding corporal punishment in and issued the following directions: educational institutions, ASK and BLAST filed a writ Persons involved in pronouncing and executing petition (Writ Petition No.5684 of 2010 on punishment in the name of fatwa or in abetting in 18.07.2010) challenging the failure of the the act shall be liable for committing a criminal Government to prevent degrading punishment leading to physical and mental injury by teachers on Law enforcement agencies, Union Parishad and school and Madrassah students. Pourashava members shall take immediate steps The High Court issued Rule Nisi directing the against persons pronouncing fatwa and shall Ministry of Education to investigate and prosecute the undertake awareness-building programmes to teachers responsible for corporal punishment on prevent the same.
students, and directed the Education Ministry to issue Ministry of Education shall include a chapter on a circular to all primary, secondary and Madrassah the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law in educational institutions instructing them to refrain the syllabus of all educational institutions to from discourage extra-judicial punishment in the name In response the Ministry of Education issued instructions to all Primary, Secondary schools and Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Madrassahs to refrain from corporal punishment. The dwellers filed a writ petition (Writ Petition No. 974 of doctors resulting in denial of access to emergency Government also formulated guidelines against 2010) challenging the illegal eviction of 2,100 medical treatment and frequent deaths. The High In July 2010, ASK and BELA filed a writ petition (Writ corporal punishment. The case is pending for inhabitants of Shahidertak basti, Sher e Bangla Court issued a show cause as to why the strikes Petition No. 6072/2010) on 27.07.2010 challenging Nagar, Dhaka, who have been living there 25 years.
called by the intern doctors should not be declared the Government for failure to prevent earth filling, The High Court issued a show cause to the Ministry of illegal and without lawful authority and why the advertisements and selling of plots of an Child Rights
Housing and Public Works as to why the eviction Government should not be directed to take action unauthorized private housing project proposed or 1. Custody: Two minor children aged about three
should not be declared without lawful authority and against such misconduct by the intern doctors being implemented in the area under the Dhaka and five years respectively were taken forcefully why the respondents should not be directed to comply under Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Metropolitan Development Plan. by their father from their mother's custody. In writ with the principles/guidelines for resettlement/ Act, 1980 and to adopt " B›Uvwb Wv³vi (k„sLjv I AvPiY) The High Court issued a show cause on the petition No. 6332 of 2010 the High Court directed rehabilitation of slum dwellers. The Court also stayed wewagvjv" 1998 (Interns Doctors- discipline and Government as to why it should not be directed to the father to hand over the minors to their mother. the eviction process till disposal of the case. Over protect and restore the flood zones and water 2. Children in hazardous occupations: Writ
2,000 persons were protected from illegal eviction. All Medical Colleges and hospitals informed retention ponds from illegal earth filling and other petition No.1234/2004 (Biri factory case) was filed The case is pending for hearing.
ASK in writing of warnings issued by them to intern activities of the private housing companies for their against the Government for its failure to ensure doctors that they would be charged with illegal and unauthorized housing project. As part of an healthy and hygienic conditions and safe working Right to Health
professional misconduct if they called further interim order the Court directed the respondents to place for 25,000 child workers in biri factories 1. Illegal Medical Practice: After the national
strikes. Subsequently the intern doctors called off take effective measures to stop advertisements for under Haragach of Rangpur district resulting in newspapers Prothom Alo, Ittefaq and Janakantha their strike.
earth filling and selling of plots in unauthorized private their exposure to tuberculosis, jaundice, (dated 4.11.2009, 5.11.2009 and 28.10.2010 housing projects. The case is pending for hearing.
bronchitis, kidney infection, skin and eye respectively) reported about unsafe blood Right to Privacy
diseases. Although child labour is not legal in transfusions, and Mr Ainur Rashid, complained On a complaint from a victim of sexual harassment Campaigns and Advocacy for Legal
Bangladesh, but children are found in many about receiving unsafe blood transfusion, ASK regarding publication by the Jahangirnagar University occupations particularly in the informal sector, and investigated the hospital occurrence and with authority of her name in a circular (in the daily Domestic Violence Act 2010
the government with NGOs has adopted policies BLAST and the victim filed a writ petition (Writ Janakantha dated 27.04.2010, Daily Star dated In 2004 ASK prepared a draft on domestic violence and programs to eliminate children from Petition no 1360/2010 on 14.02.2010) to 28.04.2010 and daily Prothom Alo dated 30.04.2010) which was submitted to the Law Commission. The hazardous occupations. but for the extreme challenge the failure of the Government to perform and negative comments by the Vice Chancellor (VC) Law Commission received several drafts from other poverty children are working as labour in their statutory duties under Safe Blood in the electronic media, ASK, with the victim, filed a organizations as well and consolidated all the Bangladesh. Nevertheless, due to poverty, many Transfusion Act 2000 and Rules, to (i) take case on 02.06.2010. recommendations into a single draft in 2006. ASK children continue to work in dangerous and dirty effective measures to prevent licensing of blood The High Court directed the VC and Registrar to submitted its comments on different sections of the bill centres that collect unsafe blood from drug users appear in person before the Court. They apologized to reflect the need of survivors for right to safety in the The High Court issued directions to the Government causing various diseases and (ii) for regular and promised that it would not happen again. The to (i) ensure compulsory education of the children inspection to ensure that licensed blood centres case was dissolved.
As a member of the Action Network to Combat employed in biri factories by providing financial are compliant with the provisions of the law for Violence against Women (AN-CVAW) and Citizens' benefits to their families so that their attendance at the safe, risk free collection and transfusion of blood Right to Employment
Initiatives against Domestic Violence (CiDV) ASK school should not result in reduction of the family In March 2010, Swapon Chawkidar informed ASK took several initiatives in support of a Bill on Domestic income; (ii) amend Bangladesh Labour Law 2006 to The High Court issued a show cause and that he could not appear in the 30th BCS examination Violence. In 2010, ASK served as the secretariat for include adequate deterrent punishment for directed the Government to submit a report on due to a Government rule barring persons with the 34 members CiDV network and was a member of employers who violate legal requirements, and fix a measures taken against unlicensed blood disabilities. After collecting relevant information and the drafting committee for the draft bill on domestic reasonable remuneration to the workers engaged in centers. Government has submitted the report documents ASK, with BLAST, ADD and the victim filed violence submitted by the CiDV network. and the case is pending for hearing. a writ petition (Writ Petition No.2932 of 2010) in April.
ASK also maintained liaison with MOWCA (Ministry The High Court also issued directions to The High Court issued a show cause to the Ministry of of Women and Children's Affairs) and participated employers of biri factories to (i) ensure healthy by the Director General of Health to prevent Establishment as to why it should not allow persons actively in consultations and submitted its comments environment in the factories and provide adequate operation of unlicensed blood centres and to with disability to appear for BCS exams and join any on the bill drafted by MOWCA to the Parliamentary medical facilities and medical insurance to all monitor the activities of the licensed blood banks. cadre under PSC. The case is pending for hearing.
Committee on MOWCA in September 2010.
employees. The Court further gave directions against Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University In response to this order, the Ministry of the use of bonded child labour in the coastal areas of established a safe blood transfusion centre. Establishment submitted a report explaining PSC Violence Act of 2010 which was gazetted on 28 2. Medical Negligence: Following a fact-finding
quotas and age ceiling for appearing in BCS December investigation into reports of a strike by intern examinations. The Government declared a ten per The journey might seem to end, but in reality it has Right to Shelter
doctors that jeopardized patients' lives, ASK filed a cent quota for persons with disabilities for 3rd, 4th only begun and in the coming years. ASK will continue On a complaint from residents of Shahidertek basti case challenging the failure of the Government to grade appointments and one per cent for grade one to press for drafting rules and for proper regarding an eviction notice, ASK with three slum take action against frequent strikes by intern implementation of this Act. Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Madrassahs to refrain from corporal punishment. The dwellers filed a writ petition (Writ Petition No. 974 of doctors resulting in denial of access to emergency Government also formulated guidelines against 2010) challenging the illegal eviction of 2,100 medical treatment and frequent deaths. The High In July 2010, ASK and BELA filed a writ petition (Writ corporal punishment. The case is pending for inhabitants of Shahidertak basti, Sher e Bangla Court issued a show cause as to why the strikes Petition No. 6072/2010) on 27.07.2010 challenging Nagar, Dhaka, who have been living there 25 years.
called by the intern doctors should not be declared the Government for failure to prevent earth filling, The High Court issued a show cause to the Ministry of illegal and without lawful authority and why the advertisements and selling of plots of an Child Rights
Housing and Public Works as to why the eviction Government should not be directed to take action unauthorized private housing project proposed or 1. Custody: Two minor children aged about three
should not be declared without lawful authority and against such misconduct by the intern doctors being implemented in the area under the Dhaka and five years respectively were taken forcefully why the respondents should not be directed to comply under Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Metropolitan Development Plan. by their father from their mother's custody. In writ with the principles/guidelines for resettlement/ Act, 1980 and to adopt " B›Uvwb Wv³vi (k„sLjv I AvPiY) The High Court issued a show cause on the petition No. 6332 of 2010 the High Court directed rehabilitation of slum dwellers. The Court also stayed wewagvjv" 1998 (Interns Doctors- discipline and Government as to why it should not be directed to the father to hand over the minors to their mother. the eviction process till disposal of the case. Over protect and restore the flood zones and water 2. Children in hazardous occupations: Writ
2,000 persons were protected from illegal eviction. All Medical Colleges and hospitals informed retention ponds from illegal earth filling and other petition No.1234/2004 (Biri factory case) was filed The case is pending for hearing.
ASK in writing of warnings issued by them to intern activities of the private housing companies for their against the Government for its failure to ensure doctors that they would be charged with illegal and unauthorized housing project. As part of an healthy and hygienic conditions and safe working Right to Health
professional misconduct if they called further interim order the Court directed the respondents to place for 25,000 child workers in biri factories 1. Illegal Medical Practice: After the national
strikes. Subsequently the intern doctors called off take effective measures to stop advertisements for under Haragach of Rangpur district resulting in newspapers Prothom Alo, Ittefaq and Janakantha their strike.
earth filling and selling of plots in unauthorized private their exposure to tuberculosis, jaundice, (dated 4.11.2009, 5.11.2009 and 28.10.2010 housing projects. The case is pending for hearing.
bronchitis, kidney infection, skin and eye respectively) reported about unsafe blood Right to Privacy
diseases. Although child labour is not legal in transfusions, and Mr Ainur Rashid, complained On a complaint from a victim of sexual harassment Campaigns and Advocacy for Legal
Bangladesh, but children are found in many about receiving unsafe blood transfusion, ASK regarding publication by the Jahangirnagar University occupations particularly in the informal sector, and investigated the hospital occurrence and with authority of her name in a circular (in the daily Domestic Violence Act 2010
the government with NGOs has adopted policies BLAST and the victim filed a writ petition (Writ Janakantha dated 27.04.2010, Daily Star dated In 2004 ASK prepared a draft on domestic violence and programs to eliminate children from Petition no 1360/2010 on 14.02.2010) to 28.04.2010 and daily Prothom Alo dated 30.04.2010) which was submitted to the Law Commission. The hazardous occupations. but for the extreme challenge the failure of the Government to perform and negative comments by the Vice Chancellor (VC) Law Commission received several drafts from other poverty children are working as labour in their statutory duties under Safe Blood in the electronic media, ASK, with the victim, filed a organizations as well and consolidated all the Bangladesh. Nevertheless, due to poverty, many Transfusion Act 2000 and Rules, to (i) take case on 02.06.2010. recommendations into a single draft in 2006. ASK children continue to work in dangerous and dirty effective measures to prevent licensing of blood The High Court directed the VC and Registrar to submitted its comments on different sections of the bill centres that collect unsafe blood from drug users appear in person before the Court. They apologized to reflect the need of survivors for right to safety in the The High Court issued directions to the Government causing various diseases and (ii) for regular and promised that it would not happen again. The to (i) ensure compulsory education of the children inspection to ensure that licensed blood centres case was dissolved.
As a member of the Action Network to Combat employed in biri factories by providing financial are compliant with the provisions of the law for Violence against Women (AN-CVAW) and Citizens' benefits to their families so that their attendance at the safe, risk free collection and transfusion of blood Right to Employment
Initiatives against Domestic Violence (CiDV) ASK school should not result in reduction of the family In March 2010, Swapon Chawkidar informed ASK took several initiatives in support of a Bill on Domestic income; (ii) amend Bangladesh Labour Law 2006 to The High Court issued a show cause and that he could not appear in the 30th BCS examination Violence. In 2010, ASK served as the secretariat for include adequate deterrent punishment for directed the Government to submit a report on due to a Government rule barring persons with the 34 members CiDV network and was a member of employers who violate legal requirements, and fix a measures taken against unlicensed blood disabilities. After collecting relevant information and the drafting committee for the draft bill on domestic reasonable remuneration to the workers engaged in centers. Government has submitted the report documents ASK, with BLAST, ADD and the victim filed violence submitted by the CiDV network. and the case is pending for hearing. a writ petition (Writ Petition No.2932 of 2010) in April.
ASK also maintained liaison with MOWCA (Ministry The High Court also issued directions to The High Court issued a show cause to the Ministry of of Women and Children's Affairs) and participated employers of biri factories to (i) ensure healthy by the Director General of Health to prevent Establishment as to why it should not allow persons actively in consultations and submitted its comments environment in the factories and provide adequate operation of unlicensed blood centres and to with disability to appear for BCS exams and join any on the bill drafted by MOWCA to the Parliamentary medical facilities and medical insurance to all monitor the activities of the licensed blood banks. cadre under PSC. The case is pending for hearing.
Committee on MOWCA in September 2010.
employees. The Court further gave directions against Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University In response to this order, the Ministry of the use of bonded child labour in the coastal areas of established a safe blood transfusion centre. Establishment submitted a report explaining PSC Violence Act of 2010 which was gazetted on 28 2. Medical Negligence: Following a fact-finding
quotas and age ceiling for appearing in BCS December investigation into reports of a strike by intern examinations. The Government declared a ten per The journey might seem to end, but in reality it has Right to Shelter
doctors that jeopardized patients' lives, ASK filed a cent quota for persons with disabilities for 3rd, 4th only begun and in the coming years. ASK will continue On a complaint from residents of Shahidertek basti case challenging the failure of the Government to grade appointments and one per cent for grade one to press for drafting rules and for proper regarding an eviction notice, ASK with three slum take action against frequent strikes by intern implementation of this Act. Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Human Rights Report
In 2010, stalking of school/college girls in public was ASK has published an annual report on the situation widely reported in the media. ASK urged the of human rights in Bangladesh since 1996. It has been an important source of information for administration to take proper steps against the researchers, academics, policy makers and activists. perpetrators and protect the survivors. It tried to follow This year a summary report (Human Rights in steps taken by the administration for the protection of Bangladesh 2009) and full report (gvbevwaKvi evsjv‡ k the survivors. Subsequently ASK maintained 2009) in Bangla was published (Human Rights in communication with the families of the victims and Bangladesh 2009) with contribution from different local administration. ASK was able to convince the units and individual writers.
girls and their families to continue going to school.
ASK formed a committee headed by the executive TABLE 1: Major Activities of GSJU in 2010
director and staff members from all other ASK Units to In 2010, UPR Forum handed a memorandum to the plan an effective strategy against stalking. This Event Male
Secretary of Foreign Affairs on 23rd June 2010 on the included initiatives to raise awareness in the Accompany victims to thanas, hospitals, lawyers, courts.
human rights situation in Bangladesh.
community to protest against stalkers, to network with Collect reports on HR violation & other documentation school authorities and teachers through a focal Convene & conduct shalish (ADRs) Monitoring the function of NHRC
person appointed at the school, who could report on Follow up compliance with shalish Article for NI watch (Quarterly bulletin of Asian incidents, build solidarity amongst students and take Legal Camps organized by MSP Network of NGOs for National Institutions-ANNI) and steps to prosecute stalkers.
Meeting: With adjacent union by MSP Report for ANNI Annual Report.
ASK decided to build coalitions against stalking Meeting: Monthly Union Meeting of MSP and to coordinate legal action. Together with Meeting: Public meetings to share HR situation by MSP Responding to global Human Rights Violations
members of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Meeting: Upazila Meeting of MSP Trust, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Nijera Kori, Organise rallies, submit memorandum, and issue press releases.
Solidarity messages, urgent appeals and BRAC and Nagorik Uddyog, ASK visited places memoranda disseminated on the following issues- Workshop: Upazila wide Annual Planning Workshop & council of MSP where the perpetrators had killed or intimidated Ÿ Release of Human Rights defenders and individuals who protested against stalking. The team prisoners of conscience in Iran, 11 January 2010.
Accompanying victims to thana, hospital, lawyers, court & CBOs visited Faridpur Madhakhali to activate legal action Against brutal attack on Anti-Corruption HRD in and campaign against the murder of Champa Rani South Jakarta.
Documenting incidents of domestic violence who was killed because she protested against her Memorandum to urge protection of a leading voice Meetings: Cluster meeting of MNS daughter's stalker and Natore where a teacher had of civil society, Republika, Serbia, 1 August 2010.
Meetings: Tri-Monthly Union Meeting of MNS been killed because he protested. Joint Statement on the Principle of Non- Shalish; Participate & facilitate shalishes Refoulement and the Recent Forced Deportations Training on GRA, legal & human rights for MNS of the Uighurs from Cambodia and the Lao Hmong from Thailand, 14 January 2010.
Following the sexual harassment guidelines Law suits filed under Govt. legal aid to the poor Asian NGOs Concern Over Failure of approved by the Honorable High Court in 2009, in Legal camps attended by lawyers Governments to Appoint Members of NHRIs, 7 2010 ASK became a member of a government Meeting: Bi-Monthly meeting of the lawyers forum committee on complaints of sexual harassment. In Study circle by the members of the lawyers forum Memorandum urging Thai government and various cases, ASK continuously investigated the protestors to restrain from violence immediately, 3 harassment incidents and submitted the report to the concerned authorities as a committee member. In Protest against the issuance of a new regulation in Table 2: Complaints Received by Legal Aid Clinics in 2010
different institutions ASK staff were serving as the district of West Aceh, Indonesia, which strictly voluntary members on their sexual harassment forbids Muslims, especially women, to wear tight Complaints: Family Related Problems
clothes on 9 June 2010.
Maintenance of wife Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Human Rights Report
In 2010, stalking of school/college girls in public was ASK has published an annual report on the situation widely reported in the media. ASK urged the of human rights in Bangladesh since 1996. It has been an important source of information for administration to take proper steps against the researchers, academics, policy makers and activists. perpetrators and protect the survivors. It tried to follow This year a summary report (Human Rights in steps taken by the administration for the protection of Bangladesh 2009) and full report (gvbevwaKvi evsjv‡ k the survivors. Subsequently ASK maintained 2009) in Bangla was published (Human Rights in communication with the families of the victims and Bangladesh 2009) with contribution from different local administration. ASK was able to convince the units and individual writers.
girls and their families to continue going to school.
ASK formed a committee headed by the executive TABLE 1: Major Activities of GSJU in 2010
director and staff members from all other ASK Units to In 2010, UPR Forum handed a memorandum to the plan an effective strategy against stalking. This Event Male
Secretary of Foreign Affairs on 23rd June 2010 on the included initiatives to raise awareness in the Accompany victims to thanas, hospitals, lawyers, courts.
human rights situation in Bangladesh.
community to protest against stalkers, to network with Collect reports on HR violation & other documentation school authorities and teachers through a focal Convene & conduct shalish (ADRs) Monitoring the function of NHRC
person appointed at the school, who could report on Follow up compliance with shalish Article for NI watch (Quarterly bulletin of Asian incidents, build solidarity amongst students and take Legal Camps organized by MSP Network of NGOs for National Institutions-ANNI) and steps to prosecute stalkers.
Meeting: With adjacent union by MSP Report for ANNI Annual Report.
ASK decided to build coalitions against stalking Meeting: Monthly Union Meeting of MSP and to coordinate legal action. Together with Meeting: Public meetings to share HR situation by MSP Responding to global Human Rights Violations
members of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Meeting: Upazila Meeting of MSP Trust, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Nijera Kori, Organise rallies, submit memorandum, and issue press releases.
Solidarity messages, urgent appeals and BRAC and Nagorik Uddyog, ASK visited places memoranda disseminated on the following issues- Workshop: Upazila wide Annual Planning Workshop & council of MSP where the perpetrators had killed or intimidated Ÿ Release of Human Rights defenders and individuals who protested against stalking. The team prisoners of conscience in Iran, 11 January 2010.
Accompanying victims to thana, hospital, lawyers, court & CBOs visited Faridpur Madhakhali to activate legal action Against brutal attack on Anti-Corruption HRD in and campaign against the murder of Champa Rani South Jakarta.
Documenting incidents of domestic violence who was killed because she protested against her Memorandum to urge protection of a leading voice Meetings: Cluster meeting of MNS daughter's stalker and Natore where a teacher had of civil society, Republika, Serbia, 1 August 2010.
Meetings: Tri-Monthly Union Meeting of MNS been killed because he protested. Joint Statement on the Principle of Non- Shalish; Participate & facilitate shalishes Refoulement and the Recent Forced Deportations Training on GRA, legal & human rights for MNS of the Uighurs from Cambodia and the Lao Hmong from Thailand, 14 January 2010.
Following the sexual harassment guidelines Law suits filed under Govt. legal aid to the poor Asian NGOs Concern Over Failure of approved by the Honorable High Court in 2009, in Legal camps attended by lawyers Governments to Appoint Members of NHRIs, 7 2010 ASK became a member of a government Meeting: Bi-Monthly meeting of the lawyers forum committee on complaints of sexual harassment. In Study circle by the members of the lawyers forum Memorandum urging Thai government and various cases, ASK continuously investigated the protestors to restrain from violence immediately, 3 harassment incidents and submitted the report to the concerned authorities as a committee member. In Protest against the issuance of a new regulation in Table 2: Complaints Received by Legal Aid Clinics in 2010
different institutions ASK staff were serving as the district of West Aceh, Indonesia, which strictly voluntary members on their sexual harassment forbids Muslims, especially women, to wear tight Complaints: Family Related Problems
clothes on 9 June 2010.
Maintenance of wife Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 TABLE 4: Cases Conducted in Court by Staff & Panel Lawyers in 2006-2010 & Applicable Laws
Complaints: Family Related Problems
The Family Courts Ordinance – 1985 Child maintenance Nari o Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain 2000/2003 Need for Shelter Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976 Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 Violence Related Problems/ Disputes
Dowry Prohibition Act., 1980 Guardianship Act., 1890 Acid Aparadh Daman Ain, 2002 Bangladesh Labour Law, 2006 Negotiable Instrument Act-1881 (Ammended-2006) Hindu Married Women Right to Separate Residence and Maintenance Act 1946 Illegal captivity Cheating/ fraudulence Criminal Miscellaneous Criminal Revision Property Or Money Related Disputes
Deprived from husbands property Doctor's Negligence Employment Related Disputes
Wrongful Termination Non-Payment of Wage's TABLE 5: Activities of Outreach Unit in 2010
TABLE 3: Number of Cases Followed-up in 2010 by Mediation & Rapid Response Unit
ESTABLISHING/ OPERATIONALISING LEGAL
Number of Cases
Of which Mediation Completed in
AID CLINICS
Followed in Full
Assist PNGO's to organize & implement the programAssist PNGO's to organize & implement the program in BograRegistration of clients seeking legal aid from PNGO staff at clinics:Registration of clients at Bogra Workshop to form Upazila based Community Legal Aid Groups (CLAG) Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 TABLE 4: Cases Conducted in Court by Staff & Panel Lawyers in 2006-2010 & Applicable Laws
Complaints: Family Related Problems
The Family Courts Ordinance – 1985 Child maintenance Nari o Shishu Nirjatan Daman Ain 2000/2003 Need for Shelter Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976 Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 Violence Related Problems/ Disputes
Dowry Prohibition Act., 1980 Guardianship Act., 1890 Acid Aparadh Daman Ain, 2002 Bangladesh Labour Law, 2006 Negotiable Instrument Act-1881 (Ammended-2006) Hindu Married Women Right to Separate Residence and Maintenance Act 1946 Illegal captivity Cheating/ fraudulence Criminal Miscellaneous Criminal Revision Property Or Money Related Disputes
Deprived from husbands property Doctor's Negligence Employment Related Disputes
Wrongful Termination Non-Payment of Wage's TABLE 5: Activities of Outreach Unit in 2010
TABLE 3: Number of Cases Followed-up in 2010 by Mediation & Rapid Response Unit
ESTABLISHING/ OPERATIONALISING LEGAL
Number of Cases
Of which Mediation Completed in
AID CLINICS
Followed in Full
Assist PNGO's to organize & implement the programAssist PNGO's to organize & implement the program in BograRegistration of clients seeking legal aid from PNGO staff at clinics:Registration of clients at Bogra Workshop to form Upazila based Community Legal Aid Groups (CLAG) Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Convene & Conduct Mediation by paralegal Conduct cases (Panel Lawyers activity) worker under supervision of ASK Conduct cases (Panel Lawyers activity) at Bogra Convene & Conduct Mediation by PNGO Staff at Legal Notice (Trough Legal Aid Clinic) TRAINING (WORKSHOPS, COURSES,
DISCUSSIONS)

RAPID RESPONSE & RESCUE
Rapid response to HRV at District level Training on Legal Aid Procedure 4days at Bogra Rapid response to HRV at Bogra Training on Rights, Human Rights, Gender, CEDAW ,Child Rights, for CBO, PNGO Staff & Base line Survey Others (3 days) at Bogra Base line Survey at Bogra Refreshers course on Paralegal training Refreshers course on Paralegal training at Bogra Follow up Training Orientation on Basic in Counseling TABLE 6: Activities of Child Rights Unit in 2010
Training, Orientation Session: Resource Activities/ Sub Activities
Client Workshop at Bogra Court yard Meetings Observance of National and International Events Children at risk (Mymensing) Issue based discussions Issue based discussions with Student at Bogra Non formal education Organize day long advocacy workshop with local bar on higher court's judgement which implement Introduce registration system at UP Annual Workshop on legal aid for district level panel lawyers to sensitize on human rights Parents meeting /workshop Day long advocacy workshop for Govt. officials on Employers meeting /workshop Networking meeting Workshop with different NGOs on different Day long advocacy workshop on Women Rights for gov't. officials in Bogra Provide literacy learning Media Advocacy (Press statements, Press Indoor/ Outside workshop release, Writer up etc) on Women Rights issues at Arrange newspaper assembly Enrollment to other school Organize legal awareness workshop for grass-root Vocational training Provide first aid & medicine Meeting with Union Parishad Member on Women Provide counseling Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Convene & Conduct Mediation by paralegal Conduct cases (Panel Lawyers activity) worker under supervision of ASK Conduct cases (Panel Lawyers activity) at Bogra Convene & Conduct Mediation by PNGO Staff at Legal Notice (Trough Legal Aid Clinic) TRAINING (WORKSHOPS, COURSES,
DISCUSSIONS)

RAPID RESPONSE & RESCUE
Rapid response to HRV at District level Training on Legal Aid Procedure 4days at Bogra Rapid response to HRV at Bogra Training on Rights, Human Rights, Gender, CEDAW ,Child Rights, for CBO, PNGO Staff & Base line Survey Others (3 days) at Bogra Base line Survey at Bogra Refreshers course on Paralegal training Refreshers course on Paralegal training at Bogra Follow up Training Orientation on Basic in Counseling TABLE 6: Activities of Child Rights Unit in 2010
Training, Orientation Session: Resource Activities/ Sub Activities
Client Workshop at Bogra Court yard Meetings Observance of National and International Events Children at risk (Mymensing) Issue based discussions Issue based discussions with Student at Bogra Non formal education Organize day long advocacy workshop with local bar on higher court's judgement which implement Introduce registration system at UP Annual Workshop on legal aid for district level panel lawyers to sensitize on human rights Parents meeting /workshop Day long advocacy workshop for Govt. officials on Employers meeting /workshop Networking meeting Workshop with different NGOs on different Day long advocacy workshop on Women Rights for gov't. officials in Bogra Provide literacy learning Media Advocacy (Press statements, Press Indoor/ Outside workshop release, Writer up etc) on Women Rights issues at Arrange newspaper assembly Enrollment to other school Organize legal awareness workshop for grass-root Vocational training Provide first aid & medicine Meeting with Union Parishad Member on Women Provide counseling Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 TABLE 8: Publications & other activities of Publication and Communication Unit in 2010
Activities/ Sub Activities
Status (Dec 2010)
Provide legal aid Periodicals, Books, Pamphlets
Arrange art class Quarterly publication Published- March, June, Participate in art competition September and December Prepare creative production Arrange excursion Paribarik Ain e Bangladesher Book on existing Family Laws in Published- November 2010 Drama in festival observation Nari (Women in Family laws of Children gathering Print Srijonshil Magazine Shompadok Shomipeshu Book, Collection of press release of Published- February 2010 National child domestic worker convention Manobadhikar Bangladesh 2009 Bangla Book, Annual report on HR in Published- December 2010 Meeting with ward commissioner (Human Rights Report 2009) Meeting with Mayor Human Rights in Bangladesh Summary report on HR in Meeting on code of conduct 2009-A Summary Report Area based Survey on CDW Ain er Kotha(About Laws) Handbook on family laws consisting Six issues of Ainer Katha Meeting with meddle class children on CDW rights of stand-alone booklets on specific printed (Paribarik Adalat Encourage good practice laws & implications for women. Addhadesh, Hindu Paribarik Booklets updated or reprinted as Ain, Muslim Ain e Bibaha, Parents meeting /workshop needed. Extensively used by ASK Denmohor, Talak, Employers meeting /workshop units and other NGOs.
Abhibhaabakatta, Community meeting/ gathering/ discussion Meeting with teacher Newspaper Articles Topic: Human right activist and founder member of ASK Salma Sobhan, student politics, trail of war TABLE 7: Services Provided by Support Services & Half-Way Home in 2010
crime, review of law, human rights commission, garments, migration, HALF WAY HOME
Accommodation (bed days) Medical treatment (clients) 2 workshops with journalists/ Clothing (clients) bulletin readers/ law students/ Psychosocial counselling (clients) Vocational training (clients) Referrals to other organisations for additional assistance, e.g. long-term stay at shelters (clients) TABLE 9: Investigation Unit: Activities Targeted and Achieved in 2010
SUPPORT TO LEGAL AID CLINICS
HR orientation workshops for clients
Client Workshop 24 (Participant - 259) Investigations conducted by own staff HR training workshops for group leaders of NGOs Investigations conducted by local HR Defenders Forums.
(Participant - 308) Meetings of Human Rights Defenders Forum attended.
Medical assistance (clients) Conducted Training in Fact Finding Methods Food & transport to clients (clients) Follow-up visits to districts No. of legal notices served Letters of appeal to authorities Follow-up of mediation agreements (clients) Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 TABLE 8: Publications & other activities of Publication and Communication Unit in 2010
Activities/ Sub Activities
Status (Dec 2010)
Provide legal aid Periodicals, Books, Pamphlets
Arrange art class Quarterly publication Published- March, June, Participate in art competition September and December Prepare creative production Arrange excursion Paribarik Ain e Bangladesher Book on existing Family Laws in Published- November 2010 Drama in festival observation Nari (Women in Family laws of Children gathering Print Srijonshil Magazine Shompadok Shomipeshu Book, Collection of press release of Published- February 2010 National child domestic worker convention Manobadhikar Bangladesh 2009 Bangla Book, Annual report on HR in Published- December 2010 Meeting with ward commissioner (Human Rights Report 2009) Meeting with Mayor Human Rights in Bangladesh Summary report on HR in Meeting on code of conduct 2009-A Summary Report Area based Survey on CDW Ain er Kotha(About Laws) Handbook on family laws consisting Six issues of Ainer Katha Meeting with meddle class children on CDW rights of stand-alone booklets on specific printed (Paribarik Adalat Encourage good practice laws & implications for women. Addhadesh, Hindu Paribarik Booklets updated or reprinted as Ain, Muslim Ain e Bibaha, Parents meeting /workshop needed. Extensively used by ASK Denmohor, Talak, Employers meeting /workshop units and other NGOs.
Abhibhaabakatta, Community meeting/ gathering/ discussion Meeting with teacher Newspaper Articles Topic: Human right activist and founder member of ASK Salma Sobhan, student politics, trail of war TABLE 7: Services Provided by Support Services & Half-Way Home in 2010
crime, review of law, human rights commission, garments, migration, HALF WAY HOME
Accommodation (bed days) Medical treatment (clients) 2 workshops with journalists/ Clothing (clients) bulletin readers/ law students/ Psychosocial counselling (clients) Vocational training (clients) Referrals to other organisations for additional assistance, e.g. long-term stay at shelters (clients) TABLE 9: Investigation Unit: Activities Targeted and Achieved in 2010
SUPPORT TO LEGAL AID CLINICS
HR orientation workshops for clients
Client Workshop 24 (Participant - 259) Investigations conducted by own staff HR training workshops for group leaders of NGOs Investigations conducted by local HR Defenders Forums.
(Participant - 308) Meetings of Human Rights Defenders Forum attended.
Medical assistance (clients) Conducted Training in Fact Finding Methods Food & transport to clients (clients) Follow-up visits to districts No. of legal notices served Letters of appeal to authorities Follow-up of mediation agreements (clients) Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 TABLE 10: Human Rights Violations Investigated in 2010 & Follow-Up
Course Title
Referred for Action
Training on effective Communication & Appeal to
Facilitation Skill & Documentation for NGO Training on basic and general education () Death in Crossfire (RAB/ POLICE) Refreshers course on Paralegal training Custodial Death by Police & RAB Physical Torture by Police & RAB Conduct training on Skill building of CBO's & Women's group (Result -2) Training on Family law, VAW, CRC, Succession Unnatural death of Domestic worker/ Suicide Act for awareness build up (Result -4) Provoke to suicide young girl Physical torture Follow up visit & Training monitoring TOT on Facilitation Skill Training on Gender Based Violence for ATTACKS ON MINORITIES
Concern Worldwide Bangladesh Training on Paralegal For Research Initiatives Training on Advocacy and Campaign Unnatural death of domestic maid Management for National Counsel of Disability Training on Legal issues for USCC Bangladesh Medical negligence Training on Communication and Facilitation Safe Blood Transfusion Skill for the staffs of CBSDP Drug Addiction reform center TOT on Human Rights and Legal Issues for BDR (unnatural death) Table: 12: Participants Attending Training Course In 2010 by Category
Row totals do not agree due to multiple follow-up of a case.
CBOs & Group members TABLE 11: List of Training Courses Conducted by Training Unit
NGOs (Staff & Group members) Course Title
Training on Communication skill and foundation course Training on Gender relation analysis (GRA), HR, Good Governance, CEDAW and OP, Child Rights, Advocacy Training on Human Rights, Women Rights and VAW and legal issues and CRC Paralegal training Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 TABLE 10: Human Rights Violations Investigated in 2010 & Follow-Up
Course Title
Referred for Action
Training on effective Communication & Appeal to
Facilitation Skill & Documentation for NGO Training on basic and general education () Death in Crossfire (RAB/ POLICE) Refreshers course on Paralegal training Custodial Death by Police & RAB Physical Torture by Police & RAB Conduct training on Skill building of CBO's & Women's group (Result -2) Training on Family law, VAW, CRC, Succession Unnatural death of Domestic worker/ Suicide Act for awareness build up (Result -4) Provoke to suicide young girl Physical torture Follow up visit & Training monitoring TOT on Facilitation Skill Training on Gender Based Violence for ATTACKS ON MINORITIES
Concern Worldwide Bangladesh Training on Paralegal For Research Initiatives Training on Advocacy and Campaign Unnatural death of domestic maid Management for National Counsel of Disability Training on Legal issues for USCC Bangladesh Medical negligence Training on Communication and Facilitation Safe Blood Transfusion Skill for the staffs of CBSDP Drug Addiction reform center TOT on Human Rights and Legal Issues for BDR (unnatural death) Table: 12: Participants Attending Training Course In 2010 by Category
Row totals do not agree due to multiple follow-up of a case.
CBOs & Group members TABLE 11: List of Training Courses Conducted by Training Unit
NGOs (Staff & Group members) Course Title
Training on Communication skill and foundation course Training on Gender relation analysis (GRA), HR, Good Governance, CEDAW and OP, Child Rights, Advocacy Training on Human Rights, Women Rights and VAW and legal issues and CRC Paralegal training Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Joypurhat: Khanjanpur Mission Girls High School, Joypurhat Girls High School, Teghor High School, Teghor
girls high school.
Kishoreganj: Arjot Atorjan High School, Ajimuddin High School, Kishoreganj Girls High School, Zila Smarani
Girls High School.
Kushtia: Kolokakoli Secondary School, Mohini Mohon Biddyapith, Milpara Secondary School,Housing Estate
ASK Support System Girls High School.
Mymensingh: Mymensingh Laboratory High School, Premier Ideal School, The Edward Institution, Police Line
High School.
Legal Aid Clinics in Dhaka: 8
Netrokona: Jahanara Smrity Girls High School, Rajur Bazar Collegiate School, Krisnogobindo High School,
(l) Dholpur at Jatrabari Police Station (2) Shantibagh (3) Goran (4) Johnson Road Netrakona Girls High School.
(5) Kamrangichar (6) Keraniganj (7) Shah Ali Bagh, Mirpur (8) Victim Support Centre (VSC) Naogaon: Central Girls High School, P.M. Girls High School, Chok Enayet High School, Jonokolayan Model
High School
Pabna: Jannat Bibi Jubily Girls High School, Central Girls High School, Selim Najir High School, Saheed Fajlul
For Working Children = 6
For Child Domestic Workers: 27
Haque High School.
Sirajganj: Victoria High School, Sobuj Kanon High School, Koumi Jute Mills High School, Hoimobala Girls
High School.
Ekota (Johnson Road): 1 Manobadhikar Nattaya Porishod (MNP): 10
Joypurhat, Naogaon, Gaibandha, Sirajganj, Kushtia, Kishoreganj, Jhinaidah, Mymensing, Netrakona, and Donor Partners: 9
Donor Consortium Oxfam-NOVIB (Netherlands)The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dhaka Partner NGOs: (19)
The Swedish Embassy, Dhaka (Consortium partner, renewed funding from 2009) Barisal: Association of Voluntary Action for Society (AVAS).
Bogra: Moitree Palli Unnayan Sangathan (MPUS).
Bogra: Palli Shayastha Unnayan Shangstha (PSUS).
Bogra: Program for Eco-Social Development (PESD).
Chittagong: Organization for Women's Development in Bangladesh (OWDEB).
Save the Children Sweden-Denmark Hobigonj: Hobigonj Unnayan Sangsta (HUS).
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) Rajshahi: Barendra Unnayan Prochesta (BUP).
Sathkhira: Society for Development and Education of Small Household (SoDESH).
Tangail: Rural Poor Development Organization (RPDO).
Gaibandha Sadar: Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK).
Jhenaidah Sadar: Welfare Efforts (WE).
Joypurhat Sadar: National Development Council (NDC).
Bangladesh Shishu Odhikar Forum (BSAF): 170 member organisations to campaign for the implementation
Kishoreganj Sadar: Bandhan Society.
of the Child Rights Convention.
Kushtia Sadar: Mukti Nari o Shishu Unnayan Shangstha.
Beijing plus Five for Women's Rights: a coalition of women's organisations to implement the Beijing Platform
Mymensing Sadar: Social Association for Rural Advancement (SARA).
for Action, adopted by the Government of Bangladesh.
Naogaon Sadar: Adarsha Shapla Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS).
Coalition for the Urban Poor (CUP): coordinates campaigns for the right to shelter of slum dwellers and
Netrakona Sadar: Shabolomby Unnayan Samity (SUS).
mobilises them to demand their rights.
Pabna Sadar: Pabna Prostisruti (PP).
Citizen's Initiative on CEDAW: a network of 38 organisations formed in 2007 to prepare an alternative report
Sirajganj Sadar: Sirajganj Uttaran Mohila Shangstha (SUMS).
for the UN CEDAW Committee and to campaign for implementation of CEDAW.
Citizen's Initiatives against Domestic Violence: a network of 40 organisations formed in 2007 for advocacy
Schools: 40
on legislation for Domestic Violence.
Gaibandha: Sadhinotar Rojot Joyonti Girls High School, Modern N.H. High School, Tulshighat Kashinath High
Sramik Nirapotta Forum: a network of 14 organisations concerned with safety at the workplace and workers'
School, Rabeya Habib Girls High School.
health. Formed after the collapse of the Spectrum Sweater Industries building in Polashbari, Savar it has Jhenaidah: Shisukunja School & College, Fojor Ali High School, Jhinaidah S.P. Secondary School, New
campaigned for workers' safety through the media, and filed PILs to establish corporate responsibility for Academy School.
workers' deaths and injuries.
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Joypurhat: Khanjanpur Mission Girls High School, Joypurhat Girls High School, Teghor High School, Teghor
girls high school.
Kishoreganj: Arjot Atorjan High School, Ajimuddin High School, Kishoreganj Girls High School, Zila Smarani
Girls High School.
Kushtia: Kolokakoli Secondary School, Mohini Mohon Biddyapith, Milpara Secondary School,Housing Estate
ASK Support System Girls High School.
Mymensingh: Mymensingh Laboratory High School, Premier Ideal School, The Edward Institution, Police Line
High School.
Legal Aid Clinics in Dhaka: 8
Netrokona: Jahanara Smrity Girls High School, Rajur Bazar Collegiate School, Krisnogobindo High School,
(l) Dholpur at Jatrabari Police Station (2) Shantibagh (3) Goran (4) Johnson Road Netrakona Girls High School.
(5) Kamrangichar (6) Keraniganj (7) Shah Ali Bagh, Mirpur (8) Victim Support Centre (VSC) Naogaon: Central Girls High School, P.M. Girls High School, Chok Enayet High School, Jonokolayan Model
High School
Pabna: Jannat Bibi Jubily Girls High School, Central Girls High School, Selim Najir High School, Saheed Fajlul
For Working Children = 6
For Child Domestic Workers: 27
Haque High School.
Sirajganj: Victoria High School, Sobuj Kanon High School, Koumi Jute Mills High School, Hoimobala Girls
High School.
Ekota (Johnson Road): 1 Manobadhikar Nattaya Porishod (MNP): 10
Joypurhat, Naogaon, Gaibandha, Sirajganj, Kushtia, Kishoreganj, Jhinaidah, Mymensing, Netrakona, and Donor Partners: 9
Donor Consortium Oxfam-NOVIB (Netherlands)The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dhaka Partner NGOs: (19)
The Swedish Embassy, Dhaka (Consortium partner, renewed funding from 2009) Barisal: Association of Voluntary Action for Society (AVAS).
Bogra: Moitree Palli Unnayan Sangathan (MPUS).
Bogra: Palli Shayastha Unnayan Shangstha (PSUS).
Bogra: Program for Eco-Social Development (PESD).
Chittagong: Organization for Women's Development in Bangladesh (OWDEB).
Save the Children Sweden-Denmark Hobigonj: Hobigonj Unnayan Sangsta (HUS).
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) Rajshahi: Barendra Unnayan Prochesta (BUP).
Sathkhira: Society for Development and Education of Small Household (SoDESH).
Tangail: Rural Poor Development Organization (RPDO).
Gaibandha Sadar: Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK).
Jhenaidah Sadar: Welfare Efforts (WE).
Joypurhat Sadar: National Development Council (NDC).
Bangladesh Shishu Odhikar Forum (BSAF): 170 member organisations to campaign for the implementation
Kishoreganj Sadar: Bandhan Society.
of the Child Rights Convention.
Kushtia Sadar: Mukti Nari o Shishu Unnayan Shangstha.
Beijing plus Five for Women's Rights: a coalition of women's organisations to implement the Beijing Platform
Mymensing Sadar: Social Association for Rural Advancement (SARA).
for Action, adopted by the Government of Bangladesh.
Naogaon Sadar: Adarsha Shapla Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS).
Coalition for the Urban Poor (CUP): coordinates campaigns for the right to shelter of slum dwellers and
Netrakona Sadar: Shabolomby Unnayan Samity (SUS).
mobilises them to demand their rights.
Pabna Sadar: Pabna Prostisruti (PP).
Citizen's Initiative on CEDAW: a network of 38 organisations formed in 2007 to prepare an alternative report
Sirajganj Sadar: Sirajganj Uttaran Mohila Shangstha (SUMS).
for the UN CEDAW Committee and to campaign for implementation of CEDAW.
Citizen's Initiatives against Domestic Violence: a network of 40 organisations formed in 2007 for advocacy
Schools: 40
on legislation for Domestic Violence.
Gaibandha: Sadhinotar Rojot Joyonti Girls High School, Modern N.H. High School, Tulshighat Kashinath High
Sramik Nirapotta Forum: a network of 14 organisations concerned with safety at the workplace and workers'
School, Rabeya Habib Girls High School.
health. Formed after the collapse of the Spectrum Sweater Industries building in Polashbari, Savar it has Jhenaidah: Shisukunja School & College, Fojor Ali High School, Jhinaidah S.P. Secondary School, New
campaigned for workers' safety through the media, and filed PILs to establish corporate responsibility for Academy School.
workers' deaths and injuries.
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Samajik Protirodh Committee: a network of 52 women's groups formed to resist violence against women by
both state and non-state actors, to campaign for participation of women in public decision-making and to resist
the rise of religious extremism. The Secretariat is located in the Bangladesh Mahila Porishod.
Human Rights Forum on Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Bangladesh: a coalition of 17 human rights
and development organizations of Bangladesh formed to prepare a joint stakeholders' report for the UPR and
carry out advocacy activities.
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Asia Pacific Forum for Women, Law and Development (APWLD): formed after the Nairobi Conference.
As at 31 December 2010 Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, APWLD networks with legal and women's rights organisations across Asia and the Pacific to campaign for women's rights, to create awareness of rights and to draft recommendations for legal reform.
Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI): a network of human rights NGOs in
Asia engaged with NHRIs to strengthen domestic human rights protection mechanisms in accordance with
Source of Fund:
international human rights standards.
Capital Fund (ASK Equity) End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT
18,885,644
International): works against commercial sexual exploitation of children. Member NGOs in 70 countries and
the secretariat is in Bangkok.
Forum Asia (FA): promotes human rights through training, education and awareness of international
standards for different constituencies. Secretariat based in Bangkok.
Application of Fund:
International Women's Rights Action Watch (IWRAW): promotes women's rights under CEDAW and other UN Fixed Assets at cost Less Depreciation Conventions. It supports and trains organizations to prepare shadow reports for treaty bodies. Secretariat located in Kuala Lumpur.
98,530,570
79,168,016
Migrants' Forum in Asia (MFA): raises awareness about migrant workers' rights and fair working conditions
and creates structures of support. Secretariat located in Manila.
Membership Subscription South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR): a network of human rights defenders and organizations based in
Stock of Stationary South Asia. The secretariat is in Colombo.
We Can End Violence against Women: an international campaign against domestic violence. Holds
Cash in Hand & at Bank Balance meetings, seminars, workshops and publishes materials on violence against women and personal and Office Rent (Adv & Security) collective measures to prevent gender-based violence. ASK is currently Chair of the national committee.
Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML): an international solidarity network that has engaged with
Less: Current Liabilities:
problems faced by women in contending with Islamic laws.
Liability for Expenses Advance Membership Fees Provision for Tax Net Current Assets
97,627,430
137,927,198 119,125,021
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Samajik Protirodh Committee: a network of 52 women's groups formed to resist violence against women by
both state and non-state actors, to campaign for participation of women in public decision-making and to resist
the rise of religious extremism. The Secretariat is located in the Bangladesh Mahila Porishod.
Human Rights Forum on Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Bangladesh: a coalition of 17 human rights
and development organizations of Bangladesh formed to prepare a joint stakeholders' report for the UPR and
carry out advocacy activities.
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Asia Pacific Forum for Women, Law and Development (APWLD): formed after the Nairobi Conference.
As at 31 December 2010 Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, APWLD networks with legal and women's rights organisations across Asia and the Pacific to campaign for women's rights, to create awareness of rights and to draft recommendations for legal reform.
Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI): a network of human rights NGOs in
Asia engaged with NHRIs to strengthen domestic human rights protection mechanisms in accordance with
Source of Fund:
international human rights standards.
Capital Fund (ASK Equity) End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT
18,885,644
International): works against commercial sexual exploitation of children. Member NGOs in 70 countries and
the secretariat is in Bangkok.
Forum Asia (FA): promotes human rights through training, education and awareness of international
standards for different constituencies. Secretariat based in Bangkok.
Application of Fund:
International Women's Rights Action Watch (IWRAW): promotes women's rights under CEDAW and other UN Fixed Assets at cost Less Depreciation Conventions. It supports and trains organizations to prepare shadow reports for treaty bodies. Secretariat located in Kuala Lumpur.
98,530,570
79,168,016
Migrants' Forum in Asia (MFA): raises awareness about migrant workers' rights and fair working conditions
and creates structures of support. Secretariat located in Manila.
Membership Subscription South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR): a network of human rights defenders and organizations based in
Stock of Stationary South Asia. The secretariat is in Colombo.
We Can End Violence against Women: an international campaign against domestic violence. Holds
Cash in Hand & at Bank Balance meetings, seminars, workshops and publishes materials on violence against women and personal and Office Rent (Adv & Security) collective measures to prevent gender-based violence. ASK is currently Chair of the national committee.
Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML): an international solidarity network that has engaged with
Less: Current Liabilities:
problems faced by women in contending with Islamic laws.
Liability for Expenses Advance Membership Fees Provision for Tax Net Current Assets
97,627,430
137,927,198 119,125,021
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Founder Members
General Members
Md. Nur Khan, Investigation and Documentation Md. Shah Newaz, Director, Admin & Programme Support Aminul Haq (Late) Dr. Faustina Pereira Fatema Rashid Hasan Human Rights Awareness Unit: Koyela Sharmin, Md. Jahedul Alam (Sr. Coordinator), Jaganmoy Paul,
Fazle Hasan Abed Motahar Uddin Akand (Sr. Deputy Director), Md. Mubinur Rahman, Suraiya Akhter, Monira Nahar, Md. Khursheed Erfan Ahmed Karunamoy Chakma Gender and Social Justice Unit: Md. Abu Sayed Sumon, Gulsan Ara Parvin, Mozahidul Islam, Sanaiyya
K.M. Subhan (Late) Dr. Meghna Guha Thakurta Faheem Ansari (Sr. Deputy Director), Sitara Shamim, Taufiq Al Mannan (Sr. Coordinator), Sabbir Mahmud, Salma Sobhan (Late) Masuma Akter, Mahbubul Alam.
Taherunnessa Abdullah Mediation & Rapid Response Unit: Asma Khanom Ruba, Kuheli Sultana, Mahjabin Robbani, Nina Goswami
Barrister Nihad Kabir (Sr.Deputy Director), Nahid Shams, Selina Akhter, Shithi Rani Das, Shilpi Saha, Shamsun Nahar, Sharmin Executive Committee Members
Sultana, Sumita Bagchi, Umme Kulsum Akter Parvin, Mirana Sabir.
Dr. Hameeda Hossain (Chairperson) Roushan Jahan Parvin Litigation Unit: Abdur Rashid, Farhana Afroze, Mizanur Rahman, Momtaj Begum, Monira Akter, Nasreen
Advocate Z I Khan Panna (Secretary General) Rokshana Khondokar Akter, Nilufa Akter, Salma Jabin (Deputy Director), Snigdha Saha, Topan Kumar Sarker, Atqullah Nurul Kabir, Barrister Nihad Kabir (Treasurer) Md. Shohel Rana. Dr. Meghna Guha Thakurta Member Outreach Unit: Dilip Kumar Paul (Sr. Coordinator), Rehana Sultana, Rahat Uddin, Roushan Jahan Parvin (Sr.
Fatema Rashid Hasan Member Barrister Sara Hossain Deputy Director), Md. Shahinuzzaman, Abdul Alim, Sofia Hasen, Animesh Chandra Sarkar.
Tahmina Rahman Member PHRD Project: Ms. Farhanat-Ul-Alam, Ms. Dil Afroz Akter, Mr. A.S.M. Mahmudul Huq, Ms. Tamanna Parvin,
Taherunnessa Abdullah Member Syed Mahbubar Rahman Ms. Ishrat Jahan, Ms. Saifun Nesa Zaman, Md. Shahadot Hossain, Mst. Afroza Khatun, Shanzida Parvin, Sultana Kamal (Ex-Officio) Member Mahmuda Begum, Ms. Ajufa Khatun, Ms. Sefali Begum, Rashida Khanam, Sayda Parvez Khanam, Ms. Dr. Faustina Pereira Member Sabrina Naz, Sanjida Islam.
Advocate Z.I. Khan Panna Support Service and Half Way Home Unit: Arpita Rani Das (Coordinator), Ayesha Islam, Ayesha Begum,
Zaved Hasan Mahmood Dilara Momtaz Moni, Shanta Ahmed, Ishrat Jahan Mithila, Rokeya Begum, Maleka Begum, Maru Baroi.
Child Rights Unit (Consortium): Gita Chakraborty (Sr. Deputy Director), Moqsud Maleque (Sr. Coordinator),
Meheraj Jahan, Jahan Ara Pervin, Runa Khandakar, Mina Sanyal, Shamsunnahar Shewly, Ali Akram Tarafder,
Kamrun Nessa, Atia Afrin, Rehana Pervin, Nargis Akter Mafia, Nazma Akter, Shammi Akter, Shahana Sultana,
Ferdousi, Lutfunnessa, Nahida Sultana Pali, Hasina Nazneen Sathi, Rehana Pervin, Sayeda Nupur, Sharmin
Akter Sonia, Nazma Akter Suborna, Sharmin Sultana, Rashida Akter Rozi, Waresh Banu, Soniya Rashid,
Farhana Parvin Keya, Maksura Akter Jhuma, Farhana Afroza Shimu, Sufia Akter Sufi, Farhana Momtaj Liza.
Child Rights Unit (SCSD Project): Rita Parven (Asstt. Coordinator), Rasheda Akter, Ambica Roy,
Asadujjaman, Luna Sarkar, Pervin Akter Baby, Shaheen Mahbub, Selina Akter Seli, Farzana Khanam,
Mohsena Begum, Reshma, Akhter, Shahanaz Akhter, Rabeya Akter Himu, Padmabati Debi, Nahid Sultana
Runi, Nayon Shaha, Jebun Nahar, Shanaj Akhter, Mabia Akhter, Anwara Begum, Nabila Iqram, Mizanur
Rahman, Lutfa Begum, Jesmin Islam
Child Rights Unit (CAUSE Project): Nargis Akhter (Coordinator), Monika Rani Dey, Rokeya Begum, Mst.
Sharifa Jafrin, Maksuda Khan, Rafiza Akter, Pushpa Rani, Shammi Akter Neela, Mirza Shammi Akter, Roksana
Parveen Shukla, Hosne Ara Hoque, Tahmina Akter Mili, Humaira Khanam, Nurun Nahar Taniya, Mst. Mahmuda
Akter, Shamima Yasmin, Umme Kulsum Rekha, Roksana Akter Sewly, Fariya Biplobi, Maksuda Akter.
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Founder Members
General Members
Md. Nur Khan, Investigation and Documentation Md. Shah Newaz, Director, Admin & Programme Support Aminul Haq (Late) Dr. Faustina Pereira Fatema Rashid Hasan Human Rights Awareness Unit: Koyela Sharmin, Md. Jahedul Alam (Sr. Coordinator), Jaganmoy Paul,
Fazle Hasan Abed Motahar Uddin Akand (Sr. Deputy Director), Md. Mubinur Rahman, Suraiya Akhter, Monira Nahar, Md. Khursheed Erfan Ahmed Karunamoy Chakma Gender and Social Justice Unit: Md. Abu Sayed Sumon, Gulsan Ara Parvin, Mozahidul Islam, Sanaiyya
K.M. Subhan (Late) Dr. Meghna Guha Thakurta Faheem Ansari (Sr. Deputy Director), Sitara Shamim, Taufiq Al Mannan (Sr. Coordinator), Sabbir Mahmud, Salma Sobhan (Late) Masuma Akter, Mahbubul Alam.
Taherunnessa Abdullah Mediation & Rapid Response Unit: Asma Khanom Ruba, Kuheli Sultana, Mahjabin Robbani, Nina Goswami
Barrister Nihad Kabir (Sr.Deputy Director), Nahid Shams, Selina Akhter, Shithi Rani Das, Shilpi Saha, Shamsun Nahar, Sharmin Executive Committee Members
Sultana, Sumita Bagchi, Umme Kulsum Akter Parvin, Mirana Sabir.
Dr. Hameeda Hossain (Chairperson) Roushan Jahan Parvin Litigation Unit: Abdur Rashid, Farhana Afroze, Mizanur Rahman, Momtaj Begum, Monira Akter, Nasreen
Advocate Z I Khan Panna (Secretary General) Rokshana Khondokar Akter, Nilufa Akter, Salma Jabin (Deputy Director), Snigdha Saha, Topan Kumar Sarker, Atqullah Nurul Kabir, Barrister Nihad Kabir (Treasurer) Md. Shohel Rana. Dr. Meghna Guha Thakurta Member Outreach Unit: Dilip Kumar Paul (Sr. Coordinator), Rehana Sultana, Rahat Uddin, Roushan Jahan Parvin (Sr.
Fatema Rashid Hasan Member Barrister Sara Hossain Deputy Director), Md. Shahinuzzaman, Abdul Alim, Sofia Hasen, Animesh Chandra Sarkar.
Tahmina Rahman Member PHRD Project: Ms. Farhanat-Ul-Alam, Ms. Dil Afroz Akter, Mr. A.S.M. Mahmudul Huq, Ms. Tamanna Parvin,
Taherunnessa Abdullah Member Syed Mahbubar Rahman Ms. Ishrat Jahan, Ms. Saifun Nesa Zaman, Md. Shahadot Hossain, Mst. Afroza Khatun, Shanzida Parvin, Sultana Kamal (Ex-Officio) Member Mahmuda Begum, Ms. Ajufa Khatun, Ms. Sefali Begum, Rashida Khanam, Sayda Parvez Khanam, Ms. Dr. Faustina Pereira Member Sabrina Naz, Sanjida Islam.
Advocate Z.I. Khan Panna Support Service and Half Way Home Unit: Arpita Rani Das (Coordinator), Ayesha Islam, Ayesha Begum,
Zaved Hasan Mahmood Dilara Momtaz Moni, Shanta Ahmed, Ishrat Jahan Mithila, Rokeya Begum, Maleka Begum, Maru Baroi.
Child Rights Unit (Consortium): Gita Chakraborty (Sr. Deputy Director), Moqsud Maleque (Sr. Coordinator),
Meheraj Jahan, Jahan Ara Pervin, Runa Khandakar, Mina Sanyal, Shamsunnahar Shewly, Ali Akram Tarafder,
Kamrun Nessa, Atia Afrin, Rehana Pervin, Nargis Akter Mafia, Nazma Akter, Shammi Akter, Shahana Sultana,
Ferdousi, Lutfunnessa, Nahida Sultana Pali, Hasina Nazneen Sathi, Rehana Pervin, Sayeda Nupur, Sharmin
Akter Sonia, Nazma Akter Suborna, Sharmin Sultana, Rashida Akter Rozi, Waresh Banu, Soniya Rashid,
Farhana Parvin Keya, Maksura Akter Jhuma, Farhana Afroza Shimu, Sufia Akter Sufi, Farhana Momtaj Liza.
Child Rights Unit (SCSD Project): Rita Parven (Asstt. Coordinator), Rasheda Akter, Ambica Roy,
Asadujjaman, Luna Sarkar, Pervin Akter Baby, Shaheen Mahbub, Selina Akter Seli, Farzana Khanam,
Mohsena Begum, Reshma, Akhter, Shahanaz Akhter, Rabeya Akter Himu, Padmabati Debi, Nahid Sultana
Runi, Nayon Shaha, Jebun Nahar, Shanaj Akhter, Mabia Akhter, Anwara Begum, Nabila Iqram, Mizanur
Rahman, Lutfa Begum, Jesmin Islam
Child Rights Unit (CAUSE Project): Nargis Akhter (Coordinator), Monika Rani Dey, Rokeya Begum, Mst.
Sharifa Jafrin, Maksuda Khan, Rafiza Akter, Pushpa Rani, Shammi Akter Neela, Mirza Shammi Akter, Roksana
Parveen Shukla, Hosne Ara Hoque, Tahmina Akter Mili, Humaira Khanam, Nurun Nahar Taniya, Mst. Mahmuda
Akter, Shamima Yasmin, Umme Kulsum Rekha, Roksana Akter Sewly, Fariya Biplobi, Maksuda Akter.
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Psycho-Social Help (Component): Nasima Akter (Counsellor), Shahin Islam (Advisor).
Investigation Unit: Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir, Anirban Saha, John Asit Das, Khorshed Alam, Mohammed Tipu
Sultan (Deputy Director), Shah Alam Faruk.
Documentation Unit: Fahmida Zaman, Fatema Zannati, Jharna Khanam, Nargis Akhter, Zafreen Sattar (Sr.
Coordinator).
Publication & Communication Unit: Kaniz Khadija Surovy, Shaheen Akhter (Editor), Srabantee Shegufta
Sponsors of Working Children in 2010 Media & International Advocacy Unit: Syeed Ahmed (Sr. Coordinator), Prashanta Kumar Roy, Subarna
Sarkar, Fariha Zaman.
Research Unit: A.T.M. Morshed Alam, Lubana Rashid, Sabetun Nahar, Md. Billal Hossain.
Names of Children
Legal Advocacy and Policy Reform Unit: Abu Obaidur Rahman (Deputy Director), Abantee Nurul,
Asma, Rabeya, Rashidul Islam Kamrujjahan Flora, Shirina Akhter, Md. Abul Basher, Nural Islam, Arun Kumar Roy.
Maksuda, Santa, Sumaia and Jakir Training Unit: Tanvia Roselin Sultana, Momy Monzury Chowdhury, Sadia Tasneem, Iffat Jarin, Md.
Shakhawat Hossain, Tasmin Akter, A.K.M. Bulbul Ahmed, Farhana Lokman, Israt Jahan Tamanna, Mst. Wahida Begum, Ripon Paul Sku, Shaheen Akhter, (Sr. Coordinator).
Administration Unit: Abu Musa, Abedul Moula, Amena Begum, Anil Chandra Mandal, Fazila Begum, Fatema
Begum, Laila Begum, Laily Begum, Md. Haider Ali, Khokon Gomez, Mahmuda Sultana, Mariam Begum, Mintu
Barua, Majeda Begum, Mahbub Alam, Mosharaf Hossain, Md. Mohsin Ali, Nur E. Alam, Nurun Nahar Rekha,
Rizwanul Haq, Sabina Yeasmin, Shamim Hossain, Shirin Aktar, Tahsina Ahmed, Zahera Begum, Md.
Sekander Ali.
Finance Unit: Hosne Ara Begum, Ishtiak Ahmed, Md. Shahidullah (Sr. Deputy Director), Philip Arnold, Tahera
Begum, Sabila Moqtader, Ms. Mahfuza Khanam.
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit: A M Rasheduzzaman Khan (Data Analyst), Fatema Mahmuda
(Deputy Director).
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010 Psycho-Social Help (Component): Nasima Akter (Counsellor), Shahin Islam (Advisor).
Investigation Unit: Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir, Anirban Saha, John Asit Das, Khorshed Alam, Mohammed Tipu
Sultan (Deputy Director), Shah Alam Faruk.
Documentation Unit: Fahmida Zaman, Fatema Zannati, Jharna Khanam, Nargis Akhter, Zafreen Sattar (Sr.
Coordinator).
Publication & Communication Unit: Kaniz Khadija Surovy, Shaheen Akhter (Editor), Srabantee Shegufta
Sponsors of Working Children in 2010 Media & International Advocacy Unit: Syeed Ahmed (Sr. Coordinator), Prashanta Kumar Roy, Subarna
Sarkar, Fariha Zaman.
Research Unit: A.T.M. Morshed Alam, Lubana Rashid, Sabetun Nahar, Md. Billal Hossain.
Names of Children
Legal Advocacy and Policy Reform Unit: Abu Obaidur Rahman (Deputy Director), Abantee Nurul,
Asma, Rabeya, Rashidul Islam Kamrujjahan Flora, Shirina Akhter, Md. Abul Basher, Nural Islam, Arun Kumar Roy.
Maksuda, Santa, Sumaia and Jakir Training Unit: Tanvia Roselin Sultana, Momy Monzury Chowdhury, Sadia Tasneem, Iffat Jarin, Md.
Shakhawat Hossain, Tasmin Akter, A.K.M. Bulbul Ahmed, Farhana Lokman, Israt Jahan Tamanna, Mst. Wahida Begum, Ripon Paul Sku, Shaheen Akhter, (Sr. Coordinator).
Administration Unit: Abu Musa, Abedul Moula, Amena Begum, Anil Chandra Mandal, Fazila Begum, Fatema
Begum, Laila Begum, Laily Begum, Md. Haider Ali, Khokon Gomez, Mahmuda Sultana, Mariam Begum, Mintu
Barua, Majeda Begum, Mahbub Alam, Mosharaf Hossain, Md. Mohsin Ali, Nur E. Alam, Nurun Nahar Rekha,
Rizwanul Haq, Sabina Yeasmin, Shamim Hossain, Shirin Aktar, Tahsina Ahmed, Zahera Begum, Md.
Sekander Ali.
Finance Unit: Hosne Ara Begum, Ishtiak Ahmed, Md. Shahidullah (Sr. Deputy Director), Philip Arnold, Tahera
Begum, Sabila Moqtader, Ms. Mahfuza Khanam.
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit: A M Rasheduzzaman Khan (Data Analyst), Fatema Mahmuda
(Deputy Director).
Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2010

Source: http://www.askbd.org/web/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/AnnualReport_10.pdf

The prairie view a&m university environmental health & safety department

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Environmental, Health & Safety Department Policy and Procedures for Using Controlled Substances in Non-Clinical Educational and Research Activities This internal policy regulates the use of controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, chemical precursors and certain chemical laboratory apparatus used in non-clinical educational training and research activities in the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Research, Physical and Environmental Science (PENS) and Life Sciences (LSCI) Departments. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes responsibilities on institutions of higher education for implementing and maintaining a program for reporting information concerning controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, chemical precursors and chemical laboratory apparatus used in educational training and research activities. This document defines the requirements and procedures necessary for compliance with the MOU by the E,H&S. II.

Wnt5a can both activate and repress wnt/β-catenin signaling during mouse embryonic development

Contents lists available at Developmental Biology journal homepage: Wnt5a can both activate and repress Wnt/b-catenin signaling duringmouse embryonic development Rene´e van Amerongen n,1, Christophe Fuerer 2, Makiko Mizutani, Roel Nusse n Department of Developmental Biology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lorry I. Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford University,Stanford, CA 94305, USA