Media Release: 18 November 2011
South Asia Social Forum, Bangladesh 2011 inaugurated
“Another South Asia is Possible”- to achieve this dream five day long South Asia Social Forum,
Bangladesh 2011 started today, Friday at the Dhaka University premise with colorful rally,
discussion and cultural program. At 3.30 p.m. in the afternoon the inaugural rally started from
Shahbagh and ended at the central Shahid Minar via press club. Participation of people from
every section of the society from Bangladesh, representatives from South Asian and Asian
Countries and other continents made this gathering a global meeting place.
Inauguration of the program was declared by Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique, honorable Vice
Chancellor, University of Dhaka. He said, World Social Forum has been originated from the
people’s movement from the different parts of world in begin to establish a global society with
the principles of Equity, Peace, Independence, Justice, Plurality, Diversity, Cooperation and
Participation. Let us all come together to build a exploitation free, poverty and hunger free South
Asia, and raise our voice all together, Another South Asia is Possible. Let the movement start
from Dhaka University premise, where all the movements of the history of Bangladesh were
bred successfully and historic Shahid Minar.
Kuldip Nayar, veteran Indian intellectual in his solidarity speech emphasized on being united to
fulfill the dream of a South Asia free from poverty, hunger, injustice, oppression and inequity.
He said in this movement different countries from South Asia will come together and will
transcend the borders and religion and will be proud of their South Asian identity.
Other presented in the program were Muhammad Hilaluddin, Coordinator, South Asia Social
Forum General Council; Khondker Johurul Alam, NFOWD; Shaktipada Tripura,
Indigenous Leader; ,Shirin Akhter, Women Leader; Sheepa Hafiza, BRAC; Rokeya Kabir,
BNPS; Khushi Kabir, Nijera Kori; Gareth Price-Jones, Oxfam GB Bangladesh; Farah Kabir,
ActionAid; Shahin Anam, Manusher Jonno Foundation; A B M Farook, Dean, University of
Dhaka; Muhammad Selim, Polite Bureau Member, Communist Party of India (M) ; Hasanul
Haque Inu, MP Bangladesh; Kamla Vasin, Indian Women Leader; Matti Kohenen , France,
Europe; Rita Feiry, Brazil; Ali Abdul Mahdi Hasan, Iraq, Karamat Ali, Labor, Pakistan; Dr.
Mizanur Rahman, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission.
Inaugural announcement was delivered by Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique, VC, University of Dhaka
and Mohsin Ali, Member, South Asia Social Forum General Council. The program was
concluded with eye catching performances from the cultural activists of Bangladesh.
From 18 November to 22 November in different locations of Dhaka University campus thematic
seminar, symposium, children- student- youth forum, arts and crafts fair, debate, recitation,
music, dance, drama, sculpture, photography and film exhibition will be held.
Thank you.
Muhammad Hilaluddin
Coordinator, South Asia Social Forum General Council
01711806054
SASF Secretariat: 3/5, Block-G, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
P & F: +88-02-9145673, C: +8801711806054, 01759510339, 01759510338, 01759510337, E: info@wsfsouthasiabd.org , W: www.wsfsouthasiabd.org