United call to shield children from violence, abuse

United call to shield children from violence, abuse

Government and non-government representatives have called for a united social effort to prevent violence and exploitation against children, stressing that the country’s future depends on their safety and wellbeing.

They warned that without a secure environment, children’s overall development remains at risk. 

The appeal came at a dialogue titled “Community-Based Child Protection System for Garment Workers’ Children in Bangladesh”, held on Sunday at Azimur Rahman Auditorium in Dhaka.

The event was organised by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TDH-NL), Breaking the Silence (BTS), and Village Education Resource Centre (VERC). TDH-NL Country Manager Nazrul Islam chaired the dialogue, where speakers included officials from the Department of Social Services, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Incidin Bangladesh, BTS, and VERC.

Presenting the concept paper, TDH-NL Programme Coordinator Nurul Kabir said preventing child exploitation requires not only laws but also coordinated social initiatives. He emphasised the need for sustainable, inclusive, community-based child protection systems, particularly for children of garment workers.

Department of Social Services Director Abdul Hamid Mia noted that while many laws exist to safeguard children’s rights, their enforcement remains weak. 

He urged collective responsibility, saying the government alone cannot ensure child protection.

BTRC Deputy Director Taifur Rahman highlighted online risks, including abduction and abuse facilitated through social media, stressing the urgency of raising cyber awareness among children.

Incidin Executive Director A K M Masud Ali pointed out that industry owners must take responsibility for the welfare of workers’ children, especially as many families move to urban areas lacking basic child facilities.

In his closing remarks, Nazrul Islam said, Terre des Hommes Netherlands currently runs 16 early childhood development centres in Mirpur and Savar, serving over 500 children from marginalised communities, most of them from garment workers’ families. 

He reiterated the commitment to collective action in ensuring child protection.