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January - March’ 2015
E-NEWSLETTER Issue [6]
Again we welcome you all to keep an eye on the development voyage of BITA
in this summer. Beside we also feel deep distress and sorrowfulness for the loss
in Nepal Disaster. May god rest their departed soul and recover from this
remedy.
Let me reiterate that we again welcome all contributions so that we can make
this e-newsletter a place for our collective expedition. Therefore, I humbly
encourage all of you to make use of this platform to remain connected with us.
We welcome your ideas and feedback, so please email us at:
[email protected] can also stay connected with us through our website:
www.bitactg.org
Stay safe and Protect Nature from Inhumanity
Sisir Dutta
Message from Executive Director
IN THIS ISSUE Divisional Consultation Workshop on
implementing National CRC Policy
Launching SEBA project in Patiya Upazila in
partnership with MJF
Inauguration of Traditional Musical Instrument
Preservation center
Theatre Campaign for Strengthening Local
Government
SAIEVAC Campaign initiatives in Chittagong
Division
ActionAid Bangladesh-30 years against Inequality
and Poverty
Community Inception Workshop in Ramgati,
Laxmipur
Celebration of the International Women‟s Day
2015
World Theater Day‟15-Speaks loudly against
contemporary political violence
EWHA- Avenue of Global Empowerment
programme
BITA-TiE Process creating a personal space for
the Children
2
Chief guest Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah providing his speech
The Government of Bangladesh has taken some important steps against child labor, and has recently approved the
Child Labor Eradication Policy (NCLEP). The implementation of this policy is limited, particularly in the informal economic
sector which employs 93 percent of all child laborers nationwide. An estimated 1.2 million children are engaged in the urban
informal sector, often working long hours under hazardous conditions. These children are deprived of physical, mental and
social development. Over 68 percent of economically active children never attend school and most lack any opportunity to
develop skills for future development.
Save the Children works employers to build their commitments to integrate child rights concerns into their business
operations and strategy. A child rights focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach that
leverages intelligent partnerships between formal and informal corporations, NGO‟s
vocational training institutions, trade
organizations and communities can
effectively identify common problems
and find solutions that benefit all. To
Share the draft National CSR Policy for
Children with and accumulate feedbacks
from diverse stakeholders in the divisional
level Save the children International
organized divisional consultation meeting
with support from BITA at Hotel Agrabad on
28 November 2014 on implementing
National CRC Policy. Among others major
participants were divisional commissioner‟s
office officials, Deputy commissioners (DC),
Upazilla Nirbahi officer (Sub- District commissioners)-UNO,
University teachers of respective divisions, Representative from the corporations,
Representative from informal sectors, private entrepreneurs, leaders from trade Unions, representatives from NGOs/INGOs,
civil society representatives, Respective members from Chittagong Chambers, Journalists and other relevant stakeholders .
Later on the group discussion session the participants shared their views and relevant inclusion in the National CSR policy.
Divisional Consultation Workshop on implementing National CRC
Policy
3
A Glimpse of Participants in the Workshop
BITA has initiated the „Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability (SEBA)‟ project in support with MJF (Manusher
Jonno Foundation) since December 2014 under the purview of GPSA funded by The World Bank. The project will address
the existing gaps and explore potentialities in the UPs focusing budgetary transparency and accountability, and find out
solutions and improvements through transparency, accountability and people‟s participatory mechanisms. The project aims to
improve transparent and pro-people impact of using Union Parishads budget (particularly block grants) through enhanced
accountability, responsiveness and citizen participation in local governance.
The project is being implemented in 9 unions of
Patiya upazila in Chittagong district. The
working unions are: 1.Asia, 2.Bhatikhain,
3.Kelishahar, 4.Kolagaon, 5.Kusumpura,
6.Kachuai, 7.Kasiais, 8.Haidgaon, 9. Baralia.
The key stakeholders cover the citizens
organized under community monitoring
groups/support groups, LG representatives and
officials. Through project, ward committee,
scheme supervision committees will be involved.
Other stakeholders are: Govt. Officials, LGSP -2
Officials, representatives of NGOs, civil society
people, media people and community people.
Social accountability initiatives would be undertaken through the project. The major tools are
community score card, social audit, public hearing, RTI. Major activities of the project include Project Inception
Workshop/Meeting, Community Monitoring Group/ Support Group at union level, Training/orientation & also refreshers for
Community Monitoring Groups/Support Groups on LGSP and SA tools, Training/orientation UPs (WC & SSC) to exercise of
Social Accountability tools/RTI, Meeting with community monitoring groups/support /UPs/local government officials, Install
suggestion boxes in the Union Parishad, Implement of community scorecards, Conduct Social Audit, Public Hearing,
Awareness raising and Assist to develop the UP bodies and Regional level roundtable meeting on Social Accountability.
Already group formation and UP level inception meetings have been implemented in the targeted 9 unions.
Launching SEBA project in Patiya Upazila in partnership with MJF
4
Students in the Musical Instrument Preservation center
Opening of Cultural Preservation center
The diversity and dimension of traditional musical instrument of Bangladesh is a substance of pride and
prestigious for all of us. These traditional musical instruments played a significant men role to uphold the
communal harmony and humanity over the period in this country. But due to proper responsiveness and lack
of appropriate planning these instruments are going to be diminished.
In the inauguration session of traditional musical instrument and
Musical fair named “Village Hut”‟ renowned traditional song
researcher, lyricist and composer Abdul Gofur Hali said the aforesaid
speech as an inaugurator. In this regard BITA, with the support of
Norwegian embassy and Norway Concert is implementing different
programmes to sensitize and amplify the scope of practice among
youths by research, collection & preservation of traditional musical
instrument. In reference of it BITA organized the event in BITA
cultural and communication trust (BCCT) in 7 February, 2015.
The two day long activity included opening of
preservation center, instrumental presentation,
visit of school & community people in the
Preservation center, discussion session with
students & traditional artists etc. In the opening
session Sisir Dutta, Executive Director
expressed his gratitude for individuals who
forwarded their support and patronization of
the preservation center. The overall programme
was coordinated by Coordinator, Cultural promotion Mr. Ashok Barua.
Inauguration of Traditional Musical Instrument Preservation center
5
A scene from the Campaign
BITA has been implementing the SDLG project supported by Tetra Tech ARD funded by USAID in improving
capacity on service delivery of Local Government and citizen participation for accountable and transparent local
governance. Through this project BITA established the accountability mechanism of local Government representatives
and Standing committees member. With a view to ensure people‟s participation in Local Government, Taxation process
and construct Local government a solvent unit; BITA organized a theater performance “Priti Football Match” (Friendly
Football Match) with participation of Local Government representatives, elected women members, Citizen in
Governance Forum (CIG) member, secretary,
grass root artists at 38 unions & 2 Paurashavas in
Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur and
Kishoregonj districts. A total of 46 shows
Organized in 40 LGUs are where over 11000
people were present. After the theater show the
paurashava Mayor and Chairman from respective
Union Parishad discuss with the audience with a
view to share different issue addressed in the
show. Later on the elected members secure
their commitments to solve different dilemma arise during the theater show. The theater shows have became sensitizing
tools for the community people to secure different services from Local Government. The theater show became most
popular amongst the audience and the major time pass.
Theatre Campaign for Strengthening Local Government
6
Uthinsin Marma, Upazilla Chairman, Rajastholi Upazilla, Rangamati is giving his speech as chief
guest.
SAIEVAC is an inter-regional initiative consisting 8 of SAARC based countries. The objective of the initiative is to taking
effective steps to stop all kinds of Child violence within the countries. SAIEVAC usually organize campaign to raise awareness
among the community. Through the campaign they try to create a mass awareness against child marriage, physical &
humanizing punishment, hazardous child labor & trafficking in this region. In reference of it Ministry of Women & Children
affairs is coordinating the SAIEVAC (South Asia Initiatives to End Violence against Children) initiatives involving 9 other
different ministries in Bangladesh, civil society groups, NGO‟s & Children organizations. In its initial period 2015 Ministry of
Women & Children Affaires (MOWCA) inaugurated a campaign event all over the country. As BITA has been administering
development initiatives focusing on human rights, cultural upliftment and poverty alleviation from its inception, BITA
dedicated to facilitate & implementation support of campaign events in 6 district & Upazilla level of Bandarban, Rangamati,
Khagrachori, Feni, Laxmipur & Chandpur
district. The awareness campaign event was
designed to demonstrate film show,
cultural presentation, discussions, materials
demonstration & distributions etc. By this
time BITA has already conducted 6 events
covering 3 districts of Bandarban,
Rangamati & Laxmipur with the
participation of about 1000 relevant
stakeholders like local elected
representatives, Govt. administrative
officials, civil society group members,
community influential, women, youth & children. The participants emphasized to organize more events involving the youths
and adolescents to raise mass awareness against child marriage, physical & humanizing punishment and hazardous child labor &
trafficking in this region.
SAIEVAC Campaign initiatives in Chittagong Division
7
15 Renowned organizations organized daylong collaborative programme to organize the 30 years celebration of
ActionAid programme in 23 October, 2014. The day started with a massive rally from Zilla Shilpokola Academy at 10 am
which ended in Chittagong Shishu Academy. Honorable Deputy Minister of Ministry of Land Mr. Saifuddin Chowdhury Jabed
was presented as Chief Guest while Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh Farah Kabir was presented as a special guest
in the celebration.
The guests addressed that the progress of Bangladesh is in a shape and Government is planning to transform in developing
country within 2021 and developed country within 2041. Bangladesh will secure its own identity as a unique observer of G8.
The Non government organizations are working as a supporting agent in socio-economic development of Bangladesh. They
also added Government also planning to hand over the Khas Lands to the poor landless people for their habitation. Later on
an Illustration was arranged named “Water- convert to Business product from Natural resource & Human Rights” which
concluded after the cultural performance by YPSA, BNKS and Sansoptak.
Later on the 2nd part of the programme a round table was organized named “Flow of River-Impact in climate change”.
Concept paper was presented by Mr. Monjurul Kibria, Associate professor, Zoology department, Chittagong University and
Vice Chancellor of East Delta University Professor M. Sikander was present as Chief moderator. After that BITA performed
child friendly puppet show named “The brave Little Tailor”.
At the closing ceremony of 30 years celebration Mohammad Abul Hossain, District Commissioner (General) was presented
as chief guest while councilor Advocate Rehena Begum Ranu was presented as special guest. Later on Mohammad Abul
Hossain, District Commissioner (General) concluded the 30 year celebration programme by releasing 30 balloons wishing the
bright future of the organizer.
ActionAid Bangladesh-30 years against Inequality and Poverty
Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh providing her speech Inauguration of the Rally
8
Participants in the Inception Workshop
BITA has been administering development initiatives focusing human rights, cultural upliftment and poverty
alleviation. To retain the development initiative and future expansion, BITA with the support of HelpAge
International Bangladesh is implementing “Inclusion of Older People in Disaster Resilience in South Asia” (IDR)
project to uphold older people‟s rights and prepare the community as disaster resilient. In reference of it BITA
organized two community inception workshops with the direct beneficiary, civil society people, local elected
representatives and religious leaders in Raghunathpur and Char Neyamat village of Boro Kheri and Char Algi
Union respectively. The main objectives of the workshops are to increase the capacity of community people so
that they could be able to became a resilient as well as reduce the disaster risk involving the growing endanger
older people in their contingency plan.
Community Inception Workshop in Ramgati, Laxmipur
9
Chief Guest inaugurating the rally
In association with Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chittagong, the office of district women‟s affair officer celebrated the
international women‟s day-2015 in March this year. The theme of the celebration was “Empowering women, development of
humanity.” This year the celebration lasts two days.
March 07, 2015
A human chain was formed throughout Bangladesh at 10:30 am on March 07, 2015. The Chief Guest of the human chain taking
place at Probortok Circle was Mr. Mezba Uddin, DC, Chittagong. Different non-government organizations, along with other major
women organizations, participated in the human chain with colorful banner and festoons.
March 08, 2015
A rally was organized at the premises of District
Shilpakola Academy. It was inaugurated by Mr. Mezba
Uddin, DC, Chittagong. Later, the rally ended at the
Shishu Academy, Chittagong, covering the main streets
from Shilpakola Academy to Shishu Academy. The main
program of the International Women‟s Day was held at
the auditorium of Shishu Academy. Mrs. Sabiha Musa,
honourable member of the parliament (MP), graced the
occasion as the Chief Guest. Mrs. Anwara Alam, former Principal of Agrabad Women College, Mrs. Anwara Begum, Principal,
BAWA School and College, Mrs. Rita Dutta, former Principal, Government Fine Arts College, Chittagong, and Jesmin Sultana Paru,
Executive Director, Elma were also present as the special guests. The opening speech of the program was delivered by Mrs. Niva
Haque, district women‟s affair officer, Chittagong. The meeting was also addressed by Mr. Md. Abdus Salam, district children affairs
officer, Chittagong. The program was presided over by Mr. Mezba Uddin, DC, Chittagong. The program was moderated by Mrs.
Mahafuza Akther, Project Coordinator, BITA. A cultural show was performed by UTSA, an NGO. The main organizations which
participated in the successful program were BITA, ELMA, Ghasful, BRAC and YAPSA.
Celebration of the International Women’s Day 2015
10
27th March- World Theater Day- a day of tremendous significance for the cultural workers of the whole world. Kristov Worlikaski
famous theater personality in Poland who present international message regarding world theater day in front of the theater activist
like actor, playmaker, director, designer, audience etc.
This year the perspective is quite different from the other year because cultural activist were strongly clamorous to general people.
In accordance with this grassroots theatre group observed world theater day with festivity in port city Chittagong. BITA grassroots
theater group organized a discussion and
cultural programme specially open Stage
Theater, puppet, Mime and awakening song at
Jogesh Park, Potenga in Chittagong on 27th
March. Huge Audience such as garments
workers, students, slum people, community
people etc where presented in the programme
Ashok Barua Coordinator cultural promotion
read out the international message in front of
the audience while renowned grass root activist
Rabi Snaker jaladas, Rabiul Haque, Shamar Chakraborty and Community leader Kartik Chandra Dey spokes in the event. Theater
influence the audience easily so the theatre movement should be strengthening for social reformation on based of Human rights the
speakers added. Theatre played the vital role in all the democratic movement in the country. Huge number of theater artists of
theater organization such as Srijonshil Shomoy Kallayan, Mime for Children, BITA bondhu Natya Dol, Trinomul Natya Dol gathered
marking the day. At the end of the occasion the president of Grassroots Activist group Shomor Chakraborty gave special thanks to
the audience and performers for observing the vibrant world theatre day.
World Theater Day’15-Speaks loudly against contemporary political violence
World Theater Day’15-Speaks loudly against on contemporary political violence
World Theater Day’15-Speaks loudly against on contemporary political violence
11
Participants in the EGEP Programme
Ewha Global Empowerment Program (EGEP) was launched in 2011, offering full financial support to nurturing women
working in non-governmental public sectors in Asia and Africa. It is a non degree two-week residential educational program
held twice a year at the Ewha Women University campus, Seoul, Korea. As a hub of global women`s education, Ewha Women
University has committed itself to fostering and empowering outstanding women around the world and has made great efforts
over the past years to realize this long- term mission. This year Mahafuza Akther, attended the 6th EGEP (summer) in 2014 as
the only participant from Bangladesh as this year‟s theme was Transnational Feminisms and Women`s Activism.
The theme of this year‟s EGEP was “Visioning Feminist Alternatives for better World.” Two days off the 15-day graduation
program were allotted for open forum session where all participants had to prepare a 5-page-long paper on her chosen
subject and allocate ten minutes each to tell about their story through a PowerPoint presentation in the open forum session.
Mahafuza Akther also presented her story named Miseries and Perils of Trafficked Women dealing with the miseries of the
unfortunate trafficked women.
Among others Ms. Kim Sun Uk,
President of Ewha Women University,
Chang Pilwha, Director of Asian centre
for women‟s studies at Ewha Women
University, honorable high
commissioners, judges, distinguished
professors and other dignitaries were
present. All the selected participants
shared their thoughts, experience, and
achievements amid enormous
enthusiasm in all important session. Beside that seminars and study tours in different Korean NGOs and institutes were
arranged in the 15-day-long graduation program where eminent professor‟s form all around the globe, especially from Africa
and Asia, delivered lectures on different issues of women empowerment.
EWHA- Avenue of Global Empowerment programme
World Theater Day’15-Speaks loudly against on contemporary political
violence
World Theater Day’15-Speaks loudly against on contemporary political
violence
12
Visitors observing a TiE show in a Secondary School
Jennifer little-with puppet at EENGMAGH puppet School
BITA has been working since 2004 promoting Child Rights through cultural initiatives with the support of Save the
Children International. During this voyage of BITA has articulated & capitalized some of the best practices on how cultural
intervention could create a model of community based Child Protection. TiE (Theatre in Education) process is the significant
& effective tools for disseminating the message on Child Protection through puppet. BITA has already started its‟ experiences
with different development agencies, relevant academies & experts.
In addition of it a group of theatre expert visited BITA 26-27 November 2014 in Bandarban to observe cultural based
program intervention of TiE & puppet. Two American Theater expert Jennifer little & Scott Jackson in their short visit
observed TiE process in a secondary school & visited “EENGMAKH” puppet school in Bandarban. Jennifer little expressed her
gratitude about the interactive tools of BITA and said that BITA‟s TIE model is very performative in nature & creates a
personal space for the children. There is also a large focus on community engagement and raising awareness. She also meets
with the volunteers of “EENGMAKH” puppet school & interacts about the course curriculum & impact. She conducted a day
long interactive workshop with the BITA staffs & volunteers who are involving in cultural promotion activities. Finally she
collected the secondary information about the program & will share in her institute. She has expected to get more
experiences from the program & wishes to create collaboration in future.
BITA-TiE Process creating a personal space for the Children
World Theater Day’15-Speaks loudly against on contemporary political
violence
World Theater Day’15-Speaks loudly against on contemporary political
violence
13
Grab Your Copy
A Historical Perception of Traditional Musical instrument for Younger
Generation Contact:
Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts
(BITA) 753 Mehedibag, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Tell: 031-618562
E-mail: [email protected]
v
Date of Publication: 10th May, 2015
Compose & Design: Mrinmoy Mohajan, Project Manager, BITA
Contact Person Sisir Dutta, Executive Director,
Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts (BITA)
E-mail: [email protected] Cell No: +88 01711845996
Mousumi Chowdhury, Director Policy & Collaboration
Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts (BITA)
E-mail: [email protected] Cell No: +88 01711150322
The publication tries to reflect the initiative of BITA with community. The contents of this publication are sole responsibility of
BITA
Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts (BITA)
753 Mehedibag, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Tell: 031-618562
Fax No: 031-610262
E-mail: [email protected]
Publication Upcoming Event
Phase out of LIFE Project
Inauguration ceremony of book Publication
Consultation with UNHCR
SAIEVAC Campaign initiatives in Chittagong Division-2nd Phase
BITA-ASA collaboration
Prevention of Child Marriage at school through TiE
Innovative Technical and Vocational Education center
Global Action Week
World Environment Day’2015
Union Inception Workshop in IDR project
