ANFREL member in Bangladesh, Odhikar, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), 27 November 2024.

Established in 1994, Odhikar, which means rights in Bengali, “has deepened democracy and human rights in Bangladesh through research, advocacy, overseeing the government and providing trainings for over 400 human rights defenders”, the citation marked.

TFD said in a press released that the ADHRA “is awarded to Odhikar in recognition of the civil and political rights advocacy they have carried out and expanded in Bnagladesh for three decades, despite challenges such as harassment, imprisonment, and surveillance.”

Odhikar will be awarded in a ceremony on 10 December 2024 coinciding with the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day. Odhikar will be awarded a trophy and a grant of 100,000 USD to support their efforts and contribution to the consolidation of democracy.

Congratulations, Odhikar!