BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Rotary International District 3281 Bangladesh, jointly organised a commemorative seminar on “International Day of Peace 2017” on Monday, 09 October 2017 at the BIISS Auditorium. Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi, Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on International Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh graced the seminar as the chief guest. In his speech Dr. Rizvi discussed the issue of UN reform and  the Hon’ble Adviser proposed that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) should have the power to overrule the UNSC ‘veto power’. If a proposal passed by majority of the UNGA and get vetoed by the UNSC, it should be sent back to the UNGA for a second voting. If the UNGA again passes that proposal with majority vote, then the veto by the UNSC would be overruled. Dr. Rizvi believes without UN reforms on the ground of representation, the hands of the UN will be tied down and it will not be able to deliver what it originally promised to the global humanity. Major General A K M Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address at the onset of the seminar. General Rahman reflected upon the background of the International Day of Peace and said this Peace Day was declared in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution as a symbolic gesture to remind the society about strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme for 2017 Peace Day was “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.” He stated that the theme rightly depicts the importance of togetherness and unity in achieving a peaceful world based on compassion, affection, mutual trust and respect. He added, only the strong commitment of spirit of togetherness can promote respect, safety and dignity for everyone, including for those who are severely affected by the devastation of war and conflict. It was followed by remarks by Rotarian F H Arif, District Governor of Rotary International District 3281 Bangladesh. Two papers were presented at the seminar. The first presentation was made by Lieutenant General (retd.) Md. Mainul Islam, OSP, BGBM, awc, psc, former Chief of General Staff, on “United Nations Peacekeeping Operations”. In his presentation, General Islam noted that the protection of civilians is a core mandated task for peacekeepers. Often, they are deployed in vast areas without necessary means. Thus, protecting the civilians from various armed groups, including the government forces can be a great challenge. Professor Dr. Delwar Hossain of the Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka presented the second paper on ‘Refugee Crisis and Threat to Peace’. In his presentation, Dr. Hossain mentioned that refugeehood is also important to understand the global refugee crisis. Persecution is an essential criterion of refugeehood. Alienage is also considered as a criterion of determining refugee status. It is the absence of state protection, which constitutes the full and complete negation of society and the basis of refugeehood.

 Finally, Rotarian PP M. M. Abed Ullah, Rotary Club of Shayamoli gave votes of thanks to the guests and participants. The session was chaired by Air Commodore (retd.) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc.