মহানবী (সা.) যেভাবে মানবজাতির জন্য রহমতস্বরূপ

 

Denmark pledges 25 million Kroner to support human rights, media freedom in Bangladesh

 Online Desk

Denmark has announced a grant of 25 million Danish kroner (approximately Tk 400 million) to support human rights protection, media freedom, and the rehabilitation of torture survivors in Bangladesh.

The Danish Embassy in Dhaka shared the announcement on its official Facebook page on Monday, saying the initiative will be implemented through a consortium of three Danish organizations working with local partners.

The consortium will focus on strengthening civil society, addressing human rights violations, and supporting democratic reforms through advocacy, capacity building, and institutional cooperation.

Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller said this is a crucial moment to empower Bangladesh’s civil society and tackle challenges such as impunity and rights abuses.

“We believe this new initiative will help advance justice and democratic reform in Bangladesh,” Møller said. “These organizations have strong experience in promoting human rights and supporting civil society in complex political environments.”

The consortium includes Dignity – Danish Institute Against Torture, International Media Support (IMS), and the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR)—all with experience working in countries navigating democratic transitions.

Rasmus Grue Christensen, CEO of Dignity, emphasized the importance of local partnerships in supporting victims of torture and violence.

“A strong civil society is essential for advancing human rights and rehabilitation,” he said. “We aim to assist local partners through survivor-centered services, training, and capacity building.”

Jesper Høiberg, Executive Director of IMS, said the organization would collaborate closely with media outlets and civil society groups to strengthen Bangladesh’s media sector.

“Meaningful change comes through real partnerships,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure access to credible, independent information, protect journalists, and amplify diverse voices.”

The Danish Institute for Human Rights will focus on reforming and strengthening Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

“We see a unique opportunity for institutional reform and civic engagement in Bangladesh,” said Mette Thygesen, the institute’s international director. “Building an effective, independent NHRC is crucial. We will work with civil society and youth to help shape the framework for human rights reforms.”

According to the embassy, the initiative reflects Denmark’s ongoing commitment to promoting democracy, rule of law, and human rights globally through long-term partnerships with local institutions.