World Day for the Prevention of Child Labor is today. Like other countries in the world, Bangladesh will be celebrating World Child Labor Prevention Day with the motto ‘Stop child labour, keep the promise’.
On the occasion of celebrating the day in Bangladesh, President Md. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages. Various international and domestic non-governmental development organizations including the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF have taken up various programs to mark this day.
National Action Plan 2021-25 has been formulated with the aim of freeing the country from all forms of child labor by 2025 to achieve the SDG targets. The Awami League-led government is determined to eradicate all forms of child labor from the country. To achieve this goal, ‘National Child Labor Elimination Policy, 2010’ and National Action Plan 2021-2025 have already been formulated. ‘National Child Labor Welfare Council’ is working to implement this action plan. Rehabilitation of underprivileged street children and development programs for children with special needs are being implemented. Bangladesh has ratified the UN Charter on the Rights of the Child and the ILO Convention on Hazardous Child Labour.
According to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Child Labor Survey-2003, the number of children engaged in labor in Bangladesh was about 32 lakh. Due to the timely action taken by the government, the number of children engaged in labor has reduced to 17 lakh in 2023 as per the Child Labor Survey. On this occasion, various media will promote programs and TVCs highlighting the importance of the day. Banner festoon posters will be hung in factories and labor intensive areas across the country. Awareness leaflets to eliminate child labor will be distributed. Special inspections will be arranged to discourage child labor in factories in various industrial areas.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974 made child law and compulsory primary education for the development and development of children. He upholds the rights of children in the constitution. Following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, the Awami League Government has formulated the ‘National Child Labor Elimination Policy-2010’ with the aim of eliminating child labour. Also, ‘National Child Policy-2011’, ‘Child Act-2013’, ‘Child Marriage Disputes Act-2017’ and ‘Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy-2015’ have been formulated to ensure the development and protection of children.
JH/MS
