Include child protection steps in manifestos

Child parliament members from 64 districts yesterday urged political parties to include child protection measures in their electoral manifestos.

Aged between 12 and 17, the young parliamentarians made the recommendation at the child parliament's 17th session, conducted by its Speaker Meftahun Nahar.

The session, titled 'Shishu Surokkhay Rajnoitik Ongikar' (political commitment in protecting children), was jointly organised by Save the Children, Plan International and Bangladesh Shishu Academy at a hotel in the capital's Gulshan.

The members during the session also discussed various child rights issues including child marriage, implantation of Children Act 2018, abuse and sexual harassment on children, and allocation of sufficient funds for children in the national budget.

Speaking at the programme, Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon said the government has recently passed an act under which fair treatment of accused would be ensured at juvenile courts.

“There's a law regarding children, but the rules are yet to be formulated. The government however is sincere in formulating the rules soon,” he added.

Agreeing with the child parliament members, BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan said child abuse and exploitation must be stopped.

He criticised the special provision in the Child Marriage Restraint Act-2017, under which a child below 18 years of age can be allowed to get married under special circumstances.

Awami League leader Nuh-ul-Alam Lenin also spoke at the event, among others.