Social Forum ends Hunger-free SA stressed

A five-day South Asian forum concluded Tuesday with a pledge to build the region free from hunger, poverty and imperialistic aggression. The pledge was made in the Dhaka Declaration at Shuhrawardi Udyan in the city, said a statement. Mass congregation, declaration made to establish pluralism and democracy in South Asia, concert and solidarity speech were among the programmes of the concluding day. The conference on 'Democracy for Social Change in South Asia: Participation, Equity, Justice and Peace was sponsored by non-government organisation BRAC. About 10,000 social activists from India, Pakistan, Africa, Europe, America, Latin America and host Bangladesh took part in the conference. Indian journalist Kuldip Nayar, Dhaka University vice chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, politician Hasanul Haque MP, women leader Shrin Akhtar, Director of BRAC Sheepa Hafiza, representative from Brazil Rita Feiry, Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shahin Anam and president of National Disability Forum Khandakar Johurul Alam, among others, spoke at the conference.