Spare the children, please
Election campaigning is going ahead with full steam. Amongst the host of problems that we have seen so far is the use of children in campaigning. In a photograph published in this daily yesterday, a number of children can be seen riding on a pickup van apparently being part of the election campaigning in Dhaka's Banani area. This is not only a blatant violation of election code of conduct and rules but also shows a complete indifference towards the safety of children.
We know that election season is often a messy and violent affair in our country. And, this phenomenon of making children participate in electioneering is problematic on many counts. The foremost of concerns is the fact that such practices pose great dangers to children's lives because violent incidents may occur during campaigning and children can become victims.
It seems that we have learned nothing from the past when political violence took a dangerous turn and claimed the lives of countless children. These children often hail from low-income families, and it seems that some party supporters are taking advantage of their poor socioeconomic conditions by luring them with money in exchange for their involvement in campaigning.
The list of instances of the Election Commission's inaction is a long one as it is; and its lack of action in addressing the violation of yet another code of conduct, such as making vulnerable children participate in election campaigning, is extremely disappointing. The Commission cannot simply turn a blind eye to the safety and welfare of these children and must immediately take action to prevent this unethical and unlawful practice.
Comments