Children speak their minds
Children from different districts in the country demanded justice for the recent killings and rapes in an online dialogue yesterday.
They also highlighted the issues of physical abuse and mental health of children, early marriage, drugs, cyber bullying and safety measures taken against those, said a press release.
They placed those topics before the officials of the ministries of social welfare and women and children affairs, who were present at the event.
As a part of World Children's Day and Child Rights Week-2020, Save the Children, Bangladesh in association with six other organisations arranged the programme.
The week is being observed from October 5 to 11.
Speaking as the chief guest, State Minister for Social Welfare Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru said his ministry will stand beside the children to fulfil their logical demands.
If any non-government organisaiton is interested in working for the underprivileged children, the ministry will extend their helping hand, he added.
Onno Van Manen, country director of Save the Children in Bangladesh, stressed the importance of a state and its responsibilities towards children in their overall development.
He pointed out that child labour, violence, early marriage are the drawbacks in establishing the rights of the children.
Reassuring the attendees, Rafiqul Islam, director general of the Social Welfare Department, said the department is committed in ensuring child rights.
He also reminded the children to use the online platform with caution.
Women and Children Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary Md Mohibuzzaman and Director of Child Rights Governance and Child Protection, Save the Children in Bangladesh Abdullah Al Mamun were also present at the programme, among others.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on October 5 inaugurated the World Children's Day and Child Rights Week, aimed at raising awareness of the rights and needs of the children.
Different ministries, divisions, city corporations, Unicef, Save the Children, Plan International, Aparajeyo Bangla and Shishu Odhikar Forum, as well as other national and international organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes marking the week.
World Children's Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on November 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare, according to the UN.
Comments