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written in the Stars
Our rights, our lives Mohammad Mostafijur Rahman is a youth with a vision to serve human rights development. After spending many years in the fields of youth empowerment, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainability and human rights, he recently represented Bangladesh at the 2nd Youth for Human Rights Asia Summit in Taiwan. Saudia Afrin had a conversation with Mohammad Mostafijur Rahman about his beliefs and opinions recognising these rights can become a massive tool in addressing various global issues and empower people from all walks of life.
Future plans
I have two other global initiatives “Embracing Leadership,” and “No Excuses 4 Sustainability.” With these I hope to inspire people to become leaders and grow as responsible citizens, and leave a sustainable planet for future generations. I would continue to advocate, conduct research and hold various events in order to change people’s mindsets; leadership is not a title, it is a characteristic. “Embracing Leadership” will help build a global culture where everyone will take responsibility in understanding their massive capacities and will work together in making a better world.
What inspired you to work for human rights?
Since I was a child, I learnt to accept that human beings are full of potential. Even more so since 2008, as I had been studying leadership and sustainability. Three years ago while working with an international development organisation in Bangladesh, I realised that CSR or social responsibility is nothing more than an idea to reestablish the issues of human rights. I was all set to present a paper, “The future of CSR and responsible investment” at an international conference on sustainable development in Thailand. I along with the president of FOURD group, who was also a participant, discussed about several issues mainly concerned with human rights. She showed me a few videos of YHRI. After watching the video “We Are All Born Free & Equal,” I was so moved that I couldn’t hold back my tears. I decided to watch the remaining videos, consequently, taking an oath to dedicate myself to the field of human rights. Following that, I became
obsessed with the fact that I would like to inspire, help, support and serve people in this field.
What is your opinion about Youth for Human Rights International’s (YHRI) principles and how long it moves ahead towards its purpose? The purpose of YHRI, a non-profit organisation based in Los Angeles, is to teach the youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace. YHRI is certainly doing a great job in empowering young people across the globe. They are constantly creating leverage with their activities while accomplishing their prime objectives simultaneously.
What are your observations on how the Bangladeshi youth think about human rights?
The youth of Bangladesh are very smart. They understand many things although
most of them don’t speak up. Some of them get frustrated for not being able to practise their fundamental rights. They feel that rights are constantly being violated especially in cases of discrimination, slavery, torture, privacy, social security, freedom to move, thought and expression. However, the most interesting thing is that, around 95% of the youth are unaware that they have 30 basic human rights. This scenario is more or less the same all over the globe.
Tell us more about the 30 articles of human rights and how it influenced and affected your thoughts.
It is magical, there are 30 articles as per the UDHR. These rights are something that you do not need to buy, apply for or ask permission to have. They are for everyone. At times there are people who might violate or ignore them and pretend that they don’t exist. In a nutshell, human rights are the basic entitlements for any individual to live with dignity. I believe that just
Quote
“Young people are the real game changers. Do not get lost in being trendy and being another person. Please be aware of your own capabilities. Start believing that you can be successful even if no one believes in you. Develop a mindset that whatever the work is, you do not stop until you finish.”
Getting personal with Mostafijur
Mostafijur is greatly inspired by Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his pragmatic approach. He is moved by the book called “Who will cry when you die?” by Robin Sharma. Mostafijur believes non-violence is the greatest force at mankind’s disposal. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by human ingenuity. Beside serving the community, he loves travelling, listening to music, making new friends and encouraging people. Mostafijur termed leadership in three words “Absolute Personal Responsibility.” n
Photos TM AG TU ESDAY, J u n e 1 7, 2014
Courtesy