Child rights activists at a discussion demanded an independent 鈥楥hild Directorate鈥� for protection, development, and implementation of rights of neglected children in the country.
The Nari Unnayan Shakti, a non-government organisation working for women and child development, organised the event, said a press release on Wednesday.
Nari Unnayan Shakti executive director Afroja Parvin highlighted the current risks faced by children.
鈥楳any children in Bangladesh are falling into poverty, abuse, child marriage, drug addiction, and criminal activities,鈥� she said, adding that although existing organisations are working on these issues, the absence of a dedicated Child Directorate makes it difficult to coordinate efforts effectively between government and non-government sectors.
Bangladesh Child Rights Forum, a network of 183 NGOs, Forum for Culture and Human Development, Young Women for Development Rights and Climate, Bangladesh Human Rights Journalists Forum, Alternative Development Program, Gram Bangla Development Committee, and others jointly submitted an application to the ministry of women and children affairs in this regard.
According to the activists, the proposed directorate will perform some specific tasks including implementation of specific policies and action plans for neglected and disadvantaged children.
They also stressed the need for protection of children from drugs, criminal activities, and unethical influences and creating opportunities and platforms for talented children by ensuring quality education, nutrition, healthcare, and safety for children.
