DHAKA, July 25, 2018 (BSS) – Experts here today stressed formulation of a
legal framework to ensure the people’s rights to food, nutrition and safe
water for achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
They urged political parties to include the issue of formulating a legal
framework on rights to food in their election manifestos ahead of the
upcoming general election.
They came up with the call while addressing the inaugural session of
‘Rights to Food and Nutrition Campaign’ at the National Museum auditorium in
the city’s Shahbagh area.
Right to Food Bangladesh (RTFB) is carrying out the campaign across the
country from July to December 2018.
Chaired by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) chairman Dr Qazi
Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, the inaugural session of the campaign, was addressed,
among others, by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairman Kazi Reazul
Hoque, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Rasheda K
Choudhury, RTFB vice-chairman Ibrahim Khaled, PKSF managing director Md Abdul
Karim, editor of The Daily Ittefaq Tasmima Hossain, country director of
ActionAid Bangladesh Farah Kabir, chief of party of the Counterpart
International Ellie Valentine and programme director of Concern Worldwide
Helel Ware.
Speaking on the occasion, Qazi Kholiquzzaman said: “We want a legal
framework for the people who are being deprived of their rights to food,
healthcare and education.”
He hoped that the present government would formulate a pro-people legal
framework in this regard.
Reading out a keynote paper on the perspectives and agenda of the
campaign, RTFB general secretary and executive director of Wave Foundation
Mohsin Ali said 25 lakh signatures will be collected during the campaign
aiming to influence the political parties to insert the issue of formulation
and implementation of the legal framework on the rights to food in their
election manifestos.
NHRC chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque said people have the rights to get access
to all human rights, including food.
“That’s why all concerned should participate in the social safety
programme,” he said, adding Bangladesh should formulate a legal framework on
the people’s rights to food as many developing countries, including Brazil
and Argentina, did so.
Rasheda K Choudhury said women are involved in food management at their
homes, so they should be included in the movement.
She urged the stakeholders concerned to get involved in the process of
formulation of a legal framework on the rights to food.