Call to stop use of children in begging
Projonmo Bachao, an alliance against child abuse, organised a human chain programme in the city yesterday to raise awareness about the use of children in begging.
With a call to stop such practice, children from shelter homes formed four human chains at Asad Gate, Gono Bhaban and Bijoy Sarani areas in the city.
Seven organisations working for the welfare of children joined the human chain.
The organisers distributed leaflets among the people to make them aware of the fact that forcing children to beg is a punishable crime under the Bangladesh Children Act 1974.
Under the law, the offenders will face two years in prison or a fine of Tk 300 or both.
Rubi Akter, a girl at a drop-in centre of Aparajeyo Bangla, said, "We want to let everyone know that if everyone comes forward, it will be possible to stop such bad practice."
The alliance is also planning to carry out more awareness programmes in the city.
According to a survey conducted by Projonmbo Bachao in October last year, beggars carry children in their laps while begging in order to play on people's sympathy. In most cases, the children are drugged to make them sleep.
The survey was conducted at six important traffic intersections of the city.
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