The formal launch of the ESCAP 2013 Survey in Bangladesh was held on 18 April through a press briefing organized by UNIC Dhaka.  The launch was attended by Dr MK Mujeri, DG, BIDS and Dr Mirza Azizul Islam, Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government as Presenter and Discussant respectively. Anchored by UNIC’s Officer-in-Charge, Kazi Ali Reza, the programme was chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Neal Walker.

More than 30 newsmen - both from print and electronic media - attended the launch. Apart from the media, the audience was composed of former diplomats, senior Government Officials and representatives from NGOs, educational institutions and research organizations.

UNIC Dhaka jointly with University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS) and Daffodil International University (DIU), organized an event to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide on 12 April 2013 at the University.

The observance included a seminar, poetry recitation, dramatic performance and a poster exhibition. Prof Dr Muhammad Samad, Vice Chancellor of UITS was the chief guest while Dr. K. M. Saiful Islam Khan, Pro- Vice Chancellor, UITS presided over the function. 

In his key-note speech, UNIC Officer-in-Charge Kazi Ali Reza said that the United Nations was pledge-bound to prevent genocide anywhere in the world and highlighted on the reconciliation process in Rwanda through peace and development. Mijanur Rahman Raju, Faculty of DIU, also spoke as special guest.

Lt. Col. (Retd) Khairul Bashar, Director (Admin) of UITS and who also served in the Rwanda Peacekeeping Mission, shared his practical working experience in Rwanda.

Renowned poets from Bangladesh recited human rights poems. A human rights drama – “We Sing of Equality” was staged by ‘All Star Daffodils’ - a theatre group from DIU. A poster exhibition was also organized on the Day.

All Star Daffodils performing

The UN Information Centre (UNIC) Dhaka with ASA University and Daffodil International University organized an event in observance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade 2013 at ASA University auditorium. 

The commemoration was a cultural event that included a seminar, candle lighting in memory of the slave victims, a human rights drama staged by theatre group “All Star Daffodils” and renowned poets of the country reciting expressive rhythmic verse on human rights. A poster exhibition was displayed and Professor Shah Alam, Chairman, Law Commission, Bangladesh was the chief guest.

Lighting memorial candles

Professor Dalem Chandra Barman, Vice Chancellor of ASA University presided over the function and UNIC’s Kazi Ali Reza delivered the key-note speech. Professor Moin Uddin Khan, Adviser of former Caretaker Government spoke as a special guest.

The Centre also read aloud the UN Secretary-General’s message on the Day and widely promoted the event through its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

From 26 to 27 January 2013, the UN Information Centre (UNIC) Dhaka and the Centre for Information Studies- Bangladesh (CIS-B) jointly organized a two-day Workshop on UN Literacy and Information Literacy at Dhanmondi Rotary Club Girls High School in Savar, outside of the capital.

The sessions were broadly divided into two categories: (a) UN Literacy: Overall UN activities with special reference to MDGs and (b) Information Literacy: Identifying various information sources and their practical use (both print and electronic).

The School  Headmaster Mr. Md Emarat Hossain inaugurated the workshop. Thana Secondary Education Officer Mr. Sayed Shahriar Manjish contributed comments and representatives of the CIS-B Mr. Minhaz Uddin, University Faculty and Professor Mezbahul Islam, University of Dhaka, and M.r M Moniruzzaman, KMA of UNIC also spoke and conducted several sessions.  

UNIC Officer-in-Charge Mr. Kazi Ali Reza delivered concluding remarks in which he dwelt elaborately on the role of the Organization in enhancing development and promoting peace throughout the globe. Terming students and youth as agents of positive change, he stressed their leadership and hard work in facing the challenges of the 21st century.  

In the concluding session, participants said that the workshop, first-ever and unique in nature, was extremely educational, thoroughly informative and highly interesting. They requested the organizers to arrange such workshops more frequently with longer duration.  

All participants were awarded with certificates and token gifts, including UN publications, UN file folders and writing pads.