by Sheikh Mohammad Arif (Dhaka Bureau)
The anniversary of the International Humanist Movement (4rth of May) was celebrated in Bangladesh through various programs.
On May 9th, the Community for Human Development (CHD), Bangladesh Chapter, organized a day-long program at Agargaon in Dhaka to mark the occasion. The event was held with the overall cooperation of the CHD Agargaon Neighborhood and featured a free medical camp and a seminar.
From morning until noon, a free medical camp was conducted at the premises of the Bangladesh Association for the Aged and the Institute of Geriatric Medicine (Baaigm) in Agargaon. During the camp, more than two hundred patients received medical check-ups, including blood sugar and blood pressure tests. Additionally, saline was distributed, and patients were provided with prescriptions after their examinations.
The seminar was held in the Baaigm Conference Room in the afternoon. Ayub Ansary, Coordinator of Community for Human Development, Bangladesh Chapter, presided over the seminar. Shamsul Haque, President of the Executive Committee of Praveen Hitaishi Sangha and Zara Biggan Institute and former Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh and freedom fighter, was present as the chief guest. The special guest was the Secretary General and former Additional Superintendent of Police, freedom fighter Intezar Rahman. The treasurer of the organization (retired government official), freedom fighter Abdus Sattar, was present at the event.
A scene from the discussion held in Baaigm’s seminar room.
Speeches were delivered by A.K.M Shamsuddoha Patwary and Mizanur Rahman Talukder Pasha, members of the International Executive Committee of the Community for Human Development. Other speakers included Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Sheikh Mohammad Arif, Khandaker Mahbubur Rahman, Freedom Fighter S.M. Shafiqul Islam Kanu (Guerrilla Leader ’71), Nurun Nahar Khan Shikha, Mizanur Rahman, Emdadul Haque, Raihanul Haque, Shahadat Hossain Raj, Anwar Hossain Shahin Mia, and Dr. Arifur Rahman Khan.
The seminar focused on the various philosophies of Mario Rodríguez Cobos (known as Silo), the Argentine writer and founder of the Humanist Movement. Speakers highlighted the principles of non-violent movements, a war-free world, and the pursuit of personal spiritual excellence as advocated by Silo.
Founded by Silo on May 4, 1969, the ‘Humanist Movement’ promotes a ‘New Humanism’ based on active non-violence and the simultaneous transformation of both the individual and society.
