DHAKA: Some 15 organizations launched a national campaign creating awareness of the importance of social harmony as a counter to violence as a part of the United Nations International Day of Non-Violences on Thursday.

Democracy International (DI) supported the organizations across the Country in Celebrating a Month of Social Harmony Activities along with organizing the campaign, says a press release.

It also said beginning on October 12, throughout October and into November, communities will be participating in activities with the goal of highlighting tolerance, building unity, and seeking peaceful alternatives to violence.

DI invited individuals to participate in the ‘Stop Violence, Build a Peaceful Nation’ campaign with their communities, or virtually through the Facebook page “BDwithMe”.

Jaago and its network of youth volunteers, Volunteer for Bangladesh, lead the events in the city on Thursday, the release added.

The 15 organizations are Anagrasar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha, Anuvab Foundation, Association of Voluntary Actions for Society, Barendra Unnayan Prachesta, Ensure Legal Support through Local Movement & Action, Gandhi Ashram Trust, Jaago, Nabolok, Organization for Village Advancement, Pabna Protisruti, Prottasha, Rupantor, Speed Trust, Udayunkur Seba Sangstha, and Young Power in Social Action.

Month-long activities will include street dances and dramas and Baul singers spread out across the cities, engaging communities with the message of non-violence.

The release also said, “Events will take place in districts across Bangladesh. District activities include: art competitions in Barisal, theater performances in Nilphamari, legal camps in Pabna, youth radio dramas in Chittagong, bicycle races in Noakhali and more.”

DI country director to Bangladesh Noel Boxer said, “Communities will be joining together to celebrate social harmony and spread the powerful message of non-violence. We are pleased to partner with 15 outstanding organizations that are leading their communities in such an important initiative and invite the public to participate either in person or online.”

In addition to the district level activities and social media engagement, the “Stop Violence, Build a Peaceful Nation” campaign features two television public service announcements. In each, the protagonist stands up to perpetrators of violence with the message “Bangladesh is with me (Amar Sathe Bangladesh) [against violence].” The Facebook page, “BDwithMe,” embraces this concept and invites fans to post photos and comments relating to social harmony.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director Pauline Tamesis said, “In the spirit of the International Day of Non-Violence, we join with friends across the country to celebrate a month of non-violence and social harmony. The awareness campaign, ‘Stop Violence, Build a Peaceful Nation,’ recognizes the traditional Bangladeshi values of social harmony and tolerance as the strong foundation for Bangladesh’s bright future. We are delighted to join these organizations in celebrating this positive sentiment.”

On June 15, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted to establish October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence.  The resolution by the General Assembly asks all members of the UN to commemorate October 2 in “an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.”

BDST: 1655 HRS, OCT 02, 2014