Seminar on Small Arms Violence and trafficking: National and Regional Security:

You may download the accompanying powerpoint here.

On 20 June 2009 at 4.00pm at BIISS Auditorium, PSR-b organized a seminar on Small Arms Violence and trafficking: National Regional Security. Key Note paper was presented by Ms Neila Hossain, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS.

Ms. Neila Husain, senior research fellow, BIISS presenting key note paper on Small Arms Violence and trafficking: National Regional Security

Mr. Lt. Col (Rtd) Muhammed Faruk Khan, Hon’ble Commerce Minister, Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, was present in the seminar as Chief Guest. Recently, Bangladesh has to face BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) tragedy in which soldiers killed 54 army officers deputed in BDR during their annual meeting at Darbar Hall. Mr. Faruk Khan played very important role inquiry as a coordinator. Mr. Khan said in this session, Bangladesh should reduce defense budget.  Present GOB will not be interested to purchase more arms but will allocate more for education and health. Military and other law enforcing agencies have to be more responsible and humane to use arms- he added. The also said, govt. will take necessary action to prevent arms trafficking and no one will be allowed to use this land for arms transit.

Left: Dr. AKM Salek, general secretary, PSR-B; Mr. Jaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, senior journalist and international analyst; Lt. Col (Rtd.) Muhammed Faruk Khan, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Commerce; Prof. Dr. Kamrul Hasan Khan, president, PSR-B and major General Sheikh Md. Monirul Islam, Director general, BIISS

Major General Sheikh Md. Monirul Islam, Director General, BIISS was present as Special guest. He emphasized on work together to reduce small arms trafficking, trade and violence from all level of the society.

Mr. Jaglul Amed Chowdhury, senior journalist and international analyst was discussed on the topic as a distinguish discussant. He urged on mass awareness creation against small arms.

Professor Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed, General Secretary, Bangladesh Ophthalmologists Society said that we are creating fascination to arms to our children by showing them video games, cartoon where small arms are being used widely and giving toys of small arms. It creates a proud of having strength of arms in the tender mind.

Professor Dr. Ali Asgar Morol, Vice –president, PSR-B said to strengthen border security as well as social security- in his speech. Dr. AKM Salek, General Secretary, PSR-B, delivered well come address in the session. Professor Dr. Kamrul Hasan Khan, President, PSR-B chaired the session. Dr. Joynul Islam, Joint Secretary, PSR-B conducted the seminar.

Part of audience of seminar on Small Arms Violence and trafficking: National and Regional Security; Mr. Jaglul Amed Chowdhury, senior journalist and international analyst delivering his speech

About 30 journalists of various media (print and electronic) were present in the seminar to cover the program. All most all national television channels (Bangladesh Television, NTV, Desh TV, Boishakhi, ATN Bangla) and dailies (like- The daily Prothom Alo, The daily Janokanto) covered the program.

Recommendations to the Government:
•    A Core Group of relevant ministries and govt. organizations dealing with Small Arms
•    Review Arms Act and introduce new laws
•    Address “demand side” and “supply side”
•    Capacity Building of law enforcing agencies
•    Enhance Border Security
•    De-link transnational networks
•    Create Employment for the youth
•    Introduce more drug rehabilitation centres
•    Reinstating ex-criminals in society
•    Increase Research on the impact of small arms
•    Access to information about firearms
•    Employ linked data system
•    Engage civil society, NGOs