The Citizen Rights and Justice Network (CRJN) has officially been launched in Sylhet, with the vision of fostering intellectual discourse and contributing to the building of a progressive and just Bangladesh.
To mark the occasion, a seminar was held on Wednesday at Kendrio Muslim Shahitya Shangsad's conference room in Sylhet.
The seminar featured a keynote speech by Khondokar Abdur Raquib, a PhD researcher at the University of California and co-founder and president of Diaspora for Justice. The theme of the seminar was "State Violence and Enforced Disappearances: The Legal Struggle."
Raquib highlighted the alarming state-sponsored killings, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial executions in Bangladesh. "The term 'enforced disappearance' was alien to the people of Bangladesh, but the authoritarian regime weaponized it as a tool to suppress opposition. Every organ of the state actively participated in these crimes," he stated. He further added, "These actions were often meticulously planned, determining in advance who would be abducted or subjected to extrajudicial execution."
While speaking, Raquib shared his field experiences from regions like Satkhira, Chittagong, and Rangpur, where he investigated state-led atrocities. His address provided a chilling account of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, drawing attention to the pervasive culture of impunity.
The seminar, moderated by CRJN's co-founder Azhar Uddin Khan, also featured speeches from other co-founders, including Farhat Shafi Chowdhury, Advocate Rafiqul Hasan Lodi, Rezaul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Advocate Mohammad Asadullah. July Revolution pioneer Naeem Hossain also addressed the gathering, sharing his insights on building a democratic Bangladesh.
CRJN is a civic initiative committed to promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and ensuring justice. Its primary objectives include: Identifying and addressing incidents of state violence, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations; Raising public awareness and empowering citizens with knowledge of their rights; Conducting research, documentation, and providing legal support; Building a society grounded in humanitarian and liberal values.
CRJN also aims to collaborate with diverse communities to establish a fair, inclusive, and democratic Bangladesh where justice prevails and human dignity is upheld.
Alongside these visions, CRJN plans to organize seminars, workshops and research initiatives as part of its activities. The network also intends to provide legal assistance and amplify the voices of the oppressed at national and international platforms.
Speaking at the conclusion of the seminar, the co-founders stated, "CRJN is not just an organization; it is a dream where every citizen's rights, dignity, and justice are safeguarded. We aim to make this journey successful with everyone's support."
SA
