
Press
Release
IILD
and Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative Organize Roundtable on "Truth and Healing
Commission for Post-Conflict Bangladesh: A Victim-Centered Approach"
Dhaka, March 9, 2025
–International Institute of Law and Diplomacy (IILD) and Bangladesh 2.0
Initiative hosted a roundtable discussion titled "Truth and Healing
Commission (THC) for Post-Conflict Bangladesh: A Victim-Centered Approach"
at the Dr. Abdullah Faruq Conference Hall, Faculty of Business Studies,
University of Dhaka. The event brought forward key stakeholders including
academicians, politicians, activists, and other civil society actors to envision
the prospect of a Truth and Healing Commission to address post-conflict grievances
in Bangladesh.
The roundtable discussion
was attended by peace researcher and conflict resolution practitioner, Professor
Tatsushi Arai from Kent State University, USA; renowned photojournalist and
activist Shahidul Alam; Huma Khan, Senior Human Rights Advisor at the United
Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Bangladesh; Hummam Quader Chowdhury, a
leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP); and other notable figures.
The session was moderated by Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain, an advocate of
District and Sessions Judge Court in Dhaka.
Professor Tatsushi Arai, delivered
the keynote address explored tranisitional justice concepts such as truth and
healing. In light of his 25 years of international experience in conflict
resolution initiatives, he offered practical recommendations for establishing
the proposed commission grounded in the unique contextual elements of the
country.
Activist Shahidul Alam
emphasized the need for national dialogue to ensure justice for victims. He
underscored the importance of creating a structured framework to bring victims'
stories to light and address their demands for justice.
Huma Khan highlighted
that while the July uprising led to partial changes in the government,
institutions such as the police and judiciary remain largely unchanged. She
raised concerns about ensuring the safety of victims in such a context and
pointed out that oppression in the region extends far beyond the last 16 years,
encompassing long-standing political and historical injustices across South
Asia.
Barrister Imran Abdullah
stressed the need for implementing healing measures such as a public apology
and suggested setting realistic expectations for post-conflict Bangladesh where
prosecuting every perpetrator is not possible.
Hummam Quader Chowdhury
shared his personal experiences of solitary confinement in Aynaghor and
underscored the necessity of establishing a Truth and Healing Commission to
address these systemic injustices.
The roundtable also
featured Ali Ahsan Zonaed, a key leader and activist of the July uprising, who
recounted his harrowing experiences during the movement in Jatrabari. Other
participants included Md. Ataur Rahman Talukdar, Assistant Professor at
Bangladesh University of Professionals; Khandaker Raquib, Senior Researcher at
the International Crimes Tribunal; journalist Sakib Sarkar; Omar Nasif
Abdullah, Lecturer at North-South University; and Zahidul Islam Miaji.
Following the roundtable
discussion, a working committee was formed under the proposal of Shafiul Alam
Shahin, Executive Director of IILD, to advance the Truth and Healing Commission
initiative. The committee members include Dr. Muhammad Asadullah, Saifuddin
Ahmed, Md. Ataur Rahman Talukdar, Ali Ahsan Zonaed, Sakib Sarkar, Harun-or-Rashid,
Barrister Tajriyaan Akram Hussain, Nousheen Sharmila Ritu, Shafiul Alam Shahin,
Zahidul Islam Miaji and Rajib Mondal.
In his concluding remarks,
Shafiul Alam Shahin stated, "One of the primary goals of this
commission will be to help victims overcome their trauma and reintegrate into
normal life. Merely prosecuting perpetrators will not suffice; we must also
address compensation and the overall well-being of the victims. This requires
direct engagement with them, listening to their stories, and understanding
their needs."
The working committee
will engage with key stakeholders at various levels, including political
parties, civil society members, and government representatives, to move the
initiative forward. This roundtable marks a significant step toward addressing
the systemic continuity of conflict in Bangladesh and fostering a
victim-centered approach to justice and healing.
Media
Contact:
Shafiul
Alam Shahin
Executive
Director, International Institute of Law and Development (IILD)
Email:
Shafiul.alam@iildbd.org
Phone:
+8801784-363645
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