Children engaged in more hazardous work in last 3 months

Out of 30,313 working children engaged in hazardous work in eight districts of the country, 7,800 children have been engaged in more hazardous work from July to September this year.

Moreover, 5,600 working children have shifted to their respective areas in search of work and 2,400 children have been forced to start new jobs at lower wages.

The data came from a survey of 11 affiliated organisations under risky child labour programme of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), reads a press release.

On the occasion of National Child Rights Week, MJF has recently organised a virtual meeting titled "Covid-19: Current Situation and Protection of Working Child".

Dr Abul Hossain (joint secretary), project director, Multi-Sectoral Programme for Prevention of Violence against Women, was present as the chief guest in the meeting. He emphasises the coordination between government and private initiatives.

 The programme was conducted by Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF while Rafeza Shaheen, programme coordinator, MJF presented the field survey data.

MJF's board member and professor of law at Dhaka University Shahnaz Huda urged to review the overall issue of child protection in Government Children Home.

Shaheen Anam urged the government to reconsider the demand for a separate children's department and take necessary action against all forms of child abuse, including sexual abuse.

Other speakers called on the government to seriously consider the issue of universal child rights and child protection.

Among others, Md Arfiuzzamna, assistant director general, Department of Factories, Barishal; Selina Akhter, deputy director, Department of Women's Affairs, Cumilla; Md Ainul Haque, assistant director, Social Welfare Office, Khulna; Dr Shahnaz Huda, professor, Department of Law, Dhaka University; Dr Ratan Sarkar, adviser, Child Labour Activities, MJF; Dr Lutfun Nahar, assistant inspector general, Factory Institute were present on the occasion.