Bangladeshi human rights group Odhikar has been awarded the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) 2023 by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). 

The award recognizes Odhikar's three decades of advocacy for civil and political rights in Bangladesh, despite facing harassment, imprisonment, and surveillance.

Founded in 1994 by Adilur Rahman Khan, Odhikar has actively promoted democracy and human rights through research, advocacy, training, and government oversight. The organization’s annual reports since 1996 have documented human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

TFD highlighted Odhikar's significant role in urging Bangladesh to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 2010, enabling the country’s involvement in investigating the persecution of Rohingya people.

The award ceremony will be held in Taipei on December 10, where Odhikar will receive a trophy and a $100,000 grant. Established in 2003, the TFD is dedicated to global democracy promotion and fostering ties between democratic nations.

BDST: 1733 HRS, NOV 28, 2024
MSK