Pleasant childhood at stake

Sufficient open space and playground for children have to be ensured in urban areas as those are essential for their mental and physical growth, said speakers at a roundtable yesterday.

Over the years, open spaces have been reduced in cities due to illegal grabbing and development works. Parks are largely used by the adults and not suitable for children, they said.

They urged for child-friendly development projects with required open spaces.

The Prothom Alo in association with Surf Excel Bangladesh arranged the roundtable titled, “Anandamoy Shoishab Chai” at the newspaper office in the capital.

Addressing the programme, Prof Nazrul Islam, chairman of Centre for Urban Studies, said government's urban planning projects and initiatives should clearly mention about required space and playground.

“Economic solvency is an essential component for ensuring pleasant childhood,” he said.

Due to poverty, children are involved in hazardous job and are risking their lives, he added.

In the solvent families, a lack of physical activities stunts the growth of children and often makes them vulnerable, said psychiatrist Prof Mohit Kamal.

He said parents have to understand children's mentality, form an attachment to them and think about their priorities from their perspectives.

Prof Emeritus Manzoor Ahmed of Brac Institute of Educational Development said children's pleasant life can be ensured in different ways and for this collective initiative is required.

Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said ensuring economic solvency of lower-middle income families is required to ensure pleasant childhood for their children.

Moderating the roundtable, Prothom Alo Associate Editor Abdul Quayum said parents need to have positive mentality towards their children to give them pleasant childhood.

Sabina Sultana, senior programme officer, Multi Sectoral Programme on Violence against Women, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said they have counseling and awareness building programmes for parents on how to grow positive attitude towards their children.

The ministry also has shelters to provide better life to street children, she said.