The Grassroots Peace Activities presentation that Tomoko Watanabe gave to a group of local government administrators who were visiting Hiroshima led to some interesting discussion.
After the session the participants, who had come to Japan from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Cambodia and Fiji, were asked to describe their impressions of Hiroshima.
Today we report on the comments of Dr. Sarwar Bari, a civil servant from Bangladesh.
What are your impressions of Hiroshima?
I think the city of Hiroshima has become a source of inspiration for humanity [and] not only reminds the world of the destruction done by the first atomic bomb but is helping to build consensus among the people against war and violence.
This is not only against the nuclear arms race or use of atomic bombs, but also about respect for human life and human rights.
Hiroshima is providing inspiration about raising the conscience of people. This will connect all people around the world for peace and help them to raise their voice against violations of human rights anywhere in the world.
This city brings people from different countries and cities of the world and of different races to a common platform to work for peace and humanity.
Md. Sarwar Bari
Ministry of Local Govt.
Bangladesh
