Bangladesh is Watching

To mark the inauguration of the Week of Action on Arms Trade Treaty ATT), Bangladesh Development Partnership Centre (BDPC) and Bangladesh Network on Small Arms (BANSA) held a press conference at the National Press Conference in Dhaka today. The organizers envisaged that the Arms Trade Treaty would stop weapons reaching human rights’ abusers. It would stop the irresponsible transfer of weapons to places where they will fuel poverty and undermine sustainable development. Referring to Control Arms Campaign, it was said that at least 7000 people around the world would die as a direct result of armed violence.

The organizers said that, the world’s governments need to know that people from all nations are watching them, and that they want a strong, effective Arms Trade Treaty as a matter of urgency.

In a written statement the organizers appreciated the role of the Government of Bangladesh in the past in relation to a new Arms Trade Treaty and urged upon the government to continue its support of the ATT in the UN process.

The written press statement was read out by BDPC Director Sharif A. Kafi. Ms. Masuda Farouk Ratna, Chairperson, BDPC, Dr. Wazedul Islam Khan, General Secretary, Bangladesh Trade Union Centre, Ms. Atikia Majumder of BANSA, Ms. Shahana Begum, Member Secretary, Nari O Manbadhikar Foundation (NAMAF), Roshni Jahan, Member Secretary, Bangladesh Coalition for Child Rights (BCCR) and other activitists representing cross section of people were were present.