Monthly Archives: April 2014

Commemoration of 20th Anniversary of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide: Seminar, Poetry Recitation, Drama, Candle lighting and Poster Exhibition, 7 April 2014

genocideDhaka, 7 April: UNIC Dhaka and University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS) with the cooperation of Daffodil Int’l University commemorated the 20th Anniversary of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide on 7 April at UITS auditorium. The observance included seminar, poetry recitation, drama candlae lighting and poster exhibition. The speakers said genocide destroys the humanity. Poet Kazi Rozi, MP was the chief guest while the Pro-Vice Chancellor of UITS Dr. K M Saiful Islam Khan presided over the function. UN expert and Chairman of CIS, B Kazi Ali Reza delivered a speech as guest of honour while M. Moniruzzaman OIC of UNIC Dhaka spoke as special guest and read-out the UN Secretary General’s message on the Day. Lt Col (Retd) AFM Khairul Basher, who served in Rwanda Peacekeeping Mission from Bangladesh Army, shared his practical working experience in Rwanda. Renowned poets of the country Poet Muhammad Samad (VC of UITS), Poet Kazi Rozi, MP, Poet Shihab Sarkar and Poet Aslam Sani recited poems on human rights. A candle lighting was organized in memory of the victims of Rwanda genocide. A human rights drama was performed by DIU theatre group – All Star Daffodils. A day long poster exhibition was also arranged to mark the Day.

World Autism Awareness Day 2014: Seminar, arts/crafts exhibition and cultural function

01Dhaka, 7 April 2014: In observance of World Autism Awareness Day, UNIC Dhaka and Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation (BPF) jointly organized a seminar, arts/crafts exhibition and cultural function at BPF premises in Dhaka. UNIC Officer-in-Charge M. Moniruzzaman spoke on the occasion as chief guest while Executive Director of BPF Dr. Shamim Ferdous presided over. A video on ‘autistic spectrum disorder’ was screened before the audience. Bangla translated version of UNSG’s Message on the Day was read-out and distributed among the audience. A cultural function was performed by the autistic children of BPF autistic school. At the beginning, an art/craft exhibition was opened by UNIC OIC. Around 300 autistic children and their parents were present in the programme.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Message on World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2014

autismdayThis year’s World Autism Awareness Day is a chance to celebrate the creative minds of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and to renew our pledge to help them realize their great potential.

I treasure my meetings with individuals affected by autism – parents, children, teachers and friends. Their strength is inspiring. They deserve all possible opportunities for education, employment and integration.

To measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members.

Education and employment are key. Schools connect children to their communities. Jobs connect adults to their societies. Persons with autism deserve to walk the same path. By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect. By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society. Continue reading →