World Refugee Day 2004: Bangladesh

On 27 May, the Bangladesh Human Rights Journalists' Forum and UNHCR held a discussion meeting on "Refugee Issues and the Role of the Media" as part of the World Refugee Day programme.

On 20 June, in collaboration with Rainbow Film Society, UNHCR conducted a seminar on "Bengal Partition and Refugee Issues" in Dhaka. A keynote paper was presented and a number of participants discussed it. The event was attended by intellectuals, academics, human rights activists, representatives from diplomatic and UN missions, the media and government officials. The discussion was followed by a three-day film show on refugee and migration issues. A total of seven feature films were screened. At the end of the day, a reception took place.

World Refugee Day was celebrated on 20 June in Nayapara camp with the participation of refugees, camp officials, local authorities, UN staff and NGOs working in the camp. The Head of the UNHCR office gave a speech. The aim of the day was explained as well as the meaning of having "a place to call home".

A speech by a refugee representative followed. A video show, essay and art competition and handicraft exhibition were also organised. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the art competition and handicraft exhibition.

On 6 July, UNHCR implementing partner Bangladesh Bar Council organised a seminar on "Accession to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugee". A keynote paper was presented by a member of the Law Commission and a former judge in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. About 100 judges, lawyers, human rights activists, government officials and journalists attended the programme.