Association for Protection of Civil Rights – APCR held in Kolkata. Janab Nadeem Khan elaborated on the work APCR is doing throughout India with its presence in 18 States and now Bengal Chapter will strengthen with new team. Adv. Tarique Quasimuddin, Adv Muslima Begum, Shri Chhotan Das gave their valuable speeches. Shri Apoorvanand joined through Zoom meeting. Janab Manzar Jameel gave the opening speech, Janab Azhar Salim appealed the crowed to support the organization while Adv. Sheikh Khurshid Alam gave the Vote of Thanks.
Margins to Mainstream: Empowering Bengal Through Civil Rights & Legal Justice Yesterday’s conference, hosted by the Bengal chapter of APCR at Ivory Tower, was more than just a gathering—it was a resolute assertion that civil rights are non-negotiable, and justice must belong to all, especially the marginalised.
The program began with Manzar Jameel’s welcome address, where he underlined Bengal’s legacy of resistance, reform, and pluralism, stressing that it must not be allowed to become another site of hate and exclusion.
Eminent lawyer Qasimuddin Ashk read the Preamble, urging the need to safeguard the Constitution and for legal rights defenders to stand firm against injustice. Advocate Muslima Khatoon followed with a powerful speech on unity and collective resistance.
Speakers didn’t shy away from political accountability, noting that MLAs and MPs must be held responsible and brought into these conversations.
Chhotan Das spoke at length on how only collective effort can protect the country from a looming fascist crisis. Joining online, Prof. Apoorvanand of Delhi University called for a united front against Hindutva, stating, “If the civil rights of any section are violated, we must oppose it—even if it doesn’t affect us directly.”
Nadeem Khan’s audiovisual presentation, grounded in real case studies and deep field engagement, held the audience spellbound for nearly two hours. He stressed the importance of owning our struggle and urged youth to take up the cause of human rights.
An engaging Q&A followed, with speakers responding thoughtfully to the audience. Azhar Salim made a stirring call to the youth to join the movement, while Adv. Sk. Khurshid Alam delivered the vote of thanks. The session was masterfully moderated by Mohammad Rafay Mahmood Siddiqui.
