GCDG Inaugurated to Promote Democracy, Human Rights, and Justice in Bangladesh and Beyond

The Global Centre for Democratic Governance (GCDG) was formally inaugurated today in a virtual ceremony that brought together distinguished speakers, thought leaders, and advocates from across the globe, united in their shared commitment to defending democracy, justice, and human rights in Bangladesh and beyond.

The inauguration was officially opened by Dr. Habibe Millat, President of GCDG, who welcomed attendees and emphasized the Centre’s mission to serve as a global platform for research, advocacy, and engagement in democratic governance.

The event was moderated by Dr. Farzana Yusuf, a prominent academic and activist based in Australia. Dr. Yusuf guided the program with insight and clarity, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful dialogue among the speakers and participants.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of the official GCDG website, unveiled by Latiful Kabir, a professional engineer and senior leader based in Canada. In his remarks, Kabir described the website as a digital hub for public engagement, policy research, publications, and member participation. “This platform reflects our values—transparency, inclusion, and action,” he noted, encouraging all attendees to explore and share the site.

Manirul Islam, a Canadian human rights advocate and one of the founding voices of GCDG, delivered a powerful presentation outlining the state of human rights violations in Bangladesh, particularly in the wake of political upheavals and the consolidation of power by the interim government. His remarks highlighted the erosion of institutional checks and the growing impunity around extrajudicial practices, censorship, and persecution.

The program also featured two prominent guest speakers:

• Barrister Tania Amir, a respected constitutional expert and legal activist from the UK, who addressed the legal frameworks being undermined in Bangladesh and called for international solidarity in defending democratic values.
• Kit Klarenberg, an investigative journalist from The Grayzone, UK, offered a sharp analysis of the geopolitical forces shaping authoritarian tendencies in South Asia and emphasized the importance of independent journalism in exposing state repression.

The session concluded with thoughtful closing remarks by Professor Abdur Rashid, a leading academic based in New Zealand. Professor Rashid reflected on the discussions of the day and reaffirmed GCDG’s commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and democratic future. He called on supporters across continents to remain engaged and united in this vital mission.

With its launch, GCDG sets a bold and necessary course toward restoring democratic accountability, protecting human dignity, and amplifying voices for justice.

The full livestream of the event is now available on Facebook and YouTube, and all related resources can be accessed via www.globalcdg.org.