At least 70% of children in Bangladesh experience some form of discrimination, revealed Kochi Konther Asar (KKA), a children’s organization, during a press conference marking ‘World Children’s Day 2024’ and ‘World Children’s Week.’
Held at the Biswa Sahitya Kendra in Banglamotor, Dhaka, the event outlined KKA’s efforts to address critical issues impacting children, including education, health, and rights. The organization emphasized its ongoing commitment to tackling these challenges through targeted programs across the country.
Addressing the media, KKA founder Hemayet Hossain urged for immediate reforms, particularly in rural areas where children remain deprived of basic education. “At an age when they should be attending school, many are burdened with family responsibilities,” he said, calling on all sectors of society to contribute to improving the lives of underprivileged children.
All children deserve equal rights, without prejudice, he added, stressing the urgency for more support from the government and local communities.
Hossain also criticized the lack of medical support for street children, pointing out that government hospitals fail to provide adequate care for this vulnerable group. He proposed the formation of a commission to make Shishu Academy more “people-oriented and generation-friendly.”
KKA Secretary General Qayum Khan highlighted the global scale of child suffering, particularly in conflict zones. “Children across the world, including Bangladesh, face various forms of abuse. Those in war-torn countries endure severe violence and hardship,” Khan said, referencing the devastating impact on children in Palestine, Ukraine, and Russia.
The press conference also saw the participation of child journalists from different regions, who questioned the panel on how to build a future Bangladesh that protects children’s rights.
In a significant move, KKA submitted four memorandums to key stakeholders, including Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the UN Regional Office, UNICEF, and the US Embassy in Dhaka. These documents call for urgent action to end violations of children’s rights both in Bangladesh and globally.
The event observed a minute of silence to honor children killed or injured in the recent anti-discrimination movement. Following the conference, a procession of students from various institutions-including Bengali and English medium schools, schools for children with special needs, madrasas, and others-marched with placards calling for an end to child labor, reforms in education, and peace in Gaza and Ukraine.
As part of its ongoing initiatives, KKA distributed food to over 5,000 students at Surupi Salina Baksa High School in Muksudpur on October 1, with support from Kochi Konther Asar USA and Children’s Voice. Additionally, KKA organized joy rallies, drawing competitions, and cultural programs across the country to support underprivileged children.
