Lack of inter-ministry coordination hindering child protection, say rights groups

Child rights organisations have expressed concern over the lack of coordination among government ministries, which they say is obstructing efforts to protect children in Bangladesh.

At a press conference today, they noted that while the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs are all involved in child protection, and inadequate cooperation has created critical gaps in safeguarding measures.

The organisations highlighted the absence of a dedicated department for children—unlike the Department of Women Affairs—and stressed the urgent need to establish a Department of Child Affairs to coordinate policies across ministries.

They also urged the interim government to form a Child Rights Reform Commission to tackle the crisis effectively.

The event, titled "Protest and Concern of NGOs Working on Child Rights on Incidents of Child Rape, Abuse, and Murder," was jointly organised by Ain o Salish Kendra, Breaking the Silence, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Plan International Bangladesh, and Save the Children at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, delivered the keynote speech on behalf of the organisations, presenting key recommendations.

With child abuse cases on the rise, she demanded the establishment of a fast-track tribunal to ensure swift trials and punishment for offenders.

She warned that delays in investigation and prosecution allow perpetrators to evade justice, fostering a culture of impunity.

"Law enforcement agencies must act decisively to deliver justice," she said.

The recommendations also called for stricter oversight of educational institutions to prevent abuse, including rigorous background checks on teachers and staff to bar individuals with histories of sexual misconduct. An independent monitoring system to assess child protection measures and ensure accountability was suggested, as well as mental health support and rehabilitation for child survivors, with a focus on psychological care to help them reintegrate into society. Stronger community involvement through the formation of Child Protection Committees at the neighbourhood level, and legal and social protection for victims and witnesses to prevent intimidation and forced withdrawal of complaints were also recommended.

"Many families face threats after filing complaints, often forcing them to drop cases. Ensuring their safety is crucial to holding perpetrators accountable," she added.

The organisations urged the government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to take immediate action, stressing that child safety must be a national priority.

The event was moderated by Nishath Sultana, director of Influencing, Campaigns, and Communications at Plan International Bangladesh.

Speakers included Kabita Bose, country director of Plan International Bangladesh; Abdullah Al Mamun, director of Child Protection and Child Rights Governance at Save the Children; Zahidul Islam, director of Program and Planning at Breaking the Silence; and Tamanna Hoq Riti, coordinator at Ain o Salish Kendra.