A dialogue on the proposed Human Rights Workers Protection Act was organised by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in collaboration with Association for Community Development (ACD), Rajshahi on 1 August 2026 at Hotel Warisan, Rajshahi. The session brought together 32 participants (29 male and 3 female), including human rights workers, journalists, teachers, elected representatives, women leaders and civil society members. Participants shared experiences of harassment, threats, legal cases, violence, digital harassment and other risks faced while working on human rights issues. They recommended clearly defining human rights workers’ roles, ensuring legal recognition, identity cards, security, institutional support and protection for their families. Stronger local and national advocacy, coordination, documentation and rapid legal response mechanisms were also emphasised.

These initiatives is implementing under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) programme, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the European Union (EU).