At the same time, the election manifestoes of all political parties should clearly mention their programme for children's education, health, food, entertainment and legal rights, they added.

The meeting was organised by Khelaghar Central Committee at the auditorium of Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (Bilia) in the city to share views with the political leaders with a view to stop abuse of children through party politics.

The speakers demanded children's social security and security of life and said they should not be deprived of their basic rights as illustrated in the constitution.

They also demanded implementation of the Children Act 1974, and said the political parties should not use the children as carrier of arms and explosives.

Former adviser to caretaker government SM Shahjahan said using the children in political activities is a major corruption and steps should be taken against such corruption.

" We should also take care of child victims and take necessary steps to rehabilitate them," he added.

Admitting the use of children in political activities Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) leader Hasanul Haque Inu said alongside the political parities the civil society and people of working class should also raise their voice on the issue.

Communist Party President Manjurul Ahsan Khan said poverty, unemployment and corruption have also touched the children.

He said the economic system of the country should be changed to protect children's right.

Presided over by Dr Ali Asgar, the meeting was also addressed by Advocate Subroto Chowdhury, Trade Union Kendra President Nurul Islam and Mokhlesur Rahman Sagar of Khelaghar Central Committee.