DHAKA: Approximately 60 academic, business, civil society, political and religious leaders from Dhaka, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rajshahi participated in the “Stop Violence, Build a Peaceful Nation” organised by Democracy International (DI), says a press release.

The conference focused on key themes that emerged during the month-long national campaign: supporting youth and increasing engagement with law enforcement, civil administration and political leadership.

The release said the month-long national campaign worked to raising awareness of the importance of social harmony as a counter to violence, sponsored by 15 Bangladeshi organizations and hosted by DI.

Country Director for DI Noel Boxer said, “Adhering to the principle of non-violence is fundamental to sustaining safe, strong, healthy, diverse and economically vibrant communities.”

“The ‘Stop Violence Build a Peaceful Nation’ Conference builds off of the most powerful elements of last month’s social harmony campaign by bringing together some of the nation’s most passionate anti-violence champions. We are delighted to continue this important discussion, and look forward to viewing more of their work in the future.”

Participants discussed specific challenges within their communities and explored ways in which to strengthen community prevention and response to violent incidents.

Leaders who organized the national campaign also participated in the conference, including Organization for Village Advancement, Matrivumi and Sayapath from Lalmonirhat; Anuvab Foundation and Udayunkur Seba Sangstha from Nilphamari; and Anagrasar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha and Barendra Unnayan Prachesta from Rajshahi.

DI also will sponsor two additional conferences in Khulna and Chittagong in January 2015, the release added.

On October 2, the United Nations International Day of Non-Violence, 15 district level organizations launched the “Stop Violence, Build a Peaceful Nation” campaign with the goal of highlighting tolerance, building unity, and seeking peaceful alternatives to violence.

District activities included: anti-violence “flash mob” street dances and dramas in Dhaka, art competitions in Barisal, theater performances in Nilphamari, legal camps in Pabna, youth radio dramas in Chittagong, bicycle races in Noakhali and more. DI supported the campaign.

In addition to the district level activities and social media engagement, the “Stop Violence, Build a Peaceful Nation” campaign featured two television public service announcements.

In each, the protagonist stood up to perpetrators of violence with the message “Bangladesh is with me (Amar Sathe Bangladesh) [against violence].”

The Facebook page, “BDwithMe,” embraced this concept and invited fans to post photos and comments relating to social harmony.

To view photos and videos of campaign events and to learn more about conference highlights, visit the “Stop Violence, Build a Peaceful Nation” Facebook page, “BDwithMe,” www.facebook.com/BDwithMe.

BDST: 1900 HRS, DEC 22, 2014