The perception that violence is the precipitating force of social change- is a one-sided explanation to social conflict. If there is violence, there must be alternative option- nonviolence. Over the years, human have embraced many techniques alternative to violent action. If the dawn of 21^st century is the recorded history of war, violence, and fierce conflict between societies and among states, this period is also witnessed campaigns of nonviolence and peace. Historically, all over the world, unarmed civilians’ peaceful political action has brought remarkable social and political transformations: ending colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent, elimination of racial discrimination in America and Africa, transition from dictatorship to democracy in Eastern Europe––are some of glaring examples. Nonviolent action works slowly but has enduring impact in society; whereas violent action works aggressively and leaves negative appeal to society. There must be an urgent realization that human condition should be embedded with action that helps paving a society where achieving sustainable peace would be a prime project.

Over the years, Bangladesh’s society and politics have espoused with confrontation and violent action frequently and repeatedly. People’s lived experience in the society is negotiated with the tension of violence and conflict. This condition has led to believe us that we live in a risk society. Nevertheless, society must be organized and built in a way so that the chances of violence or threat of violence is less likely. For this to happen, we must bring back the dream of establishing a society of nonviolence.

The responsibility to protect and remedy of society lies in large part on human being. The youth generation of Bangladesh, especially students, remained the force more powerful in bringing significant changes in the society. However, the altruistic nature of youth activism has lost appeal now-a-days as many youth cohorts are aligned along different political lines, which is why no such explicit collaborative social effort is evident. Moreover, the promise of youths is getting rolled back due to mounting problems the politics and society offers to them in daily life. Our society has routinely seated on violence but not been working on the violence alternatives. There are solutions all around, but the society is yet to dispel the danger. Violence is a disease; proper diagnosis is one step to the problem-solving process. What we still need is to have people trained in nonviolence for effective therapy.

We stress on people’s collaboration, recognizing their role as social doctor, to heal mounting illness in the societal body. We perceive youth community as the smart generation; they are easily accessible to all power and technology, persistent to make change happen and courageous enough to say “NO” against all odd and adversaries. They are the nonviolent fighter; they are the pioneer of harvesting nonviolence ethos and values in the society. We dream for a society to be redrawn and remake by nonviolent youth. Bangladesh envisions a peaceful society based on tolerance, trust, cooperation, understanding and respect.

It is in this context that Bangladesh Society of Nonviolence (BdSoN) has emerged. My sincere appeal to all societal forces including the youth and students to join in educating themselves on the principles of nonviolence.

We are looking forward to people’s collaboration in building a nonviolent society.

Sincerely,
Dr. Md. Moynul Haque
Founder and President
BdSoN