Dhaka Art Summit 2020, initiated by Samdani Art Foundation this year featured an exhibition called Lighting the Fire of Freedom: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which payed the richest tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking his birth centenary. It was an initiative of the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) in partnership with Samdani Art Foundation and ICT Division of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. The exhibition treasures historic moments, dating back to the Bengal Presidency under the British Raj to the East Pakistan regime and finally the formation of Bangladesh – a democratic independent nation. Young Bangla – the youth platform of CRI created the opportunity for Fine Arts students to be placed as art mediators at the summit.
The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organized a screening for ‘Hasina: A Daughter’s Tale’ on 24th February, 2020 as part of celebrating Mujib Year, the birth centenary celebration of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The film was screened at the auditorium of the university’s campus in Dhanmondi. Over 200 students and officials of ULAB attended the screening. A discussion session took place after the screening where CRI Trustee Radwan Mujib Siddiq and film director Piplu Khan answered questions from the audience.
Part seven of the Mujib graphic novel series titled ‘Action Day’, based on the Unfinished Memories of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was unveiled on February 2, 2019, at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2020. The Centre for Research and Information (CRI) organized the launching ceremony of graphic novel ‘Mujib-7’, on the Bangla Academy premises. The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present for the launching ceremony, organised at the bookstall premises at the Bangla Academy. The Prime Minister along with CRI Trustee Radwan Mujib unwrapped the cover of the 7th episode “Action Day” of the Mujib Graphic Novel in front of the CRI stall.
The Center for Research and Information (CRI) organised a special session titled – “Bangabandhu’s Leadership: Lessons for Today’s Youth” on December 28, 2019 at the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center’s (BYLC)’s ‘Youth Carnival’,In honour of the 100th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation. Speakers for this segment include Tarana Halim – a lawyer, cultural activist and former State Minister of Information along with Mohammad Ali Arafat, an academic and the Chairperson, Shuchinta Foundation. The session was attended by youths from a cross section of the country including youths from BYLC’s network and general carnival visitors.
The Raisina Dialogue is the flagship conference jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). The fifth edition of the dialogue took place in New Delhi from January 14 to 16, 2020. This year a delegation from Centre for Research and Information (CRI) was especially invited to attend the Raisina Dialogue. CRI representatives Syed Mafiz Kamal, Senior Analyst took part as a fellow at ORF and Anika Ahmed, Assistant coordinator was present as a delegate. The CRI representatives took part in several seminars and discussion during the two and a half days of deliberation.
Young Bangla and Human Rights Programme of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote ‘Women’s Safety in Public Places’ campaign. This campaign is to raise awareness on the rising trends of violence against women, particularly sexual violence and harassment in public places. Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, Trustee Centre for Research and Information (CRI) were present during the signing ceremony.