Tanvir Hasan Ramim:
A discussion titled “Presentation on the Child Rights Situation” was held in Patuakhali to express deep concern over the current critical situation of child rights and protection in Bangladesh. The event held on 29 October, was jointly organized by Lal Sabuj Society and Manusher Jonno Foundation.
The program took place at the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Room. The Chief Guest was Dr. Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Special guests included Additional Superintendent of Police Apu Sarwar, Local Government and Additional Deputy Commissioner Juel Rana and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Masud Ul Alam.
The session was chaired by Md. Israfill, Program Officer of Lal Sabuj Society. In his speech, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized “The family and school are a child’s first shelters. These two environments lay the foundation for a child’s growth. Therefore love, care and safety for children must be given the highest priority in both family and school settings.”
He further stated, “Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens. Their upbringing environment must be safe. Families, teachers and society must all remain vigilant to ensure that no child becomes a victim of bullying or mental abuse.”
During the discussion, Lal Sabuj Society representative Momina Sifa Rumki highlighted the child rights situation with visual data, noting that an analysis of 1,289 child-related news articles published in 12 national daily newspapers from January to August 2025 revealed that 1,069 were negative and only 220 were positive. The report identified health disparities and abuse, child rape and murder and accidental deaths as the major threats to child protection. The highest number of incidents were reported in the Dhaka Division, indicating disparities in child safety between urban and rural areas.
The event was attended by representatives and officials from various government and non-government institutions, including the District Council, Municipality, Government Colleges, Medical College Hospital, Department of Women Affairs, District Social Services Office, Family Planning Department, Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Department of Youth Development.
