Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Nov 4, 2025 (BSS)- Collaborative efforts of all organizations concerned can be the best way of protecting the children from cruelties, repressions  and oppressions, particularly sexual exploitation.

Children should be given ample opportunities to learn and grow to strengthen their mental and physical development which is essential for building a healthy and prosperous nation.
 
Children are future leaders, so special attention must be paid to protecting them from violence, repression, and sexual exploitation, which hinder their overall development.

Government officials and child leaders made these remarks while addressing a community dialogue on preventing child sexual exploitation at the conference hall of Divisional Commissioner Office here today emphasizing the need for creating positive change by building partnerships between children and decision-makers.

The dialogue was organised by the Association for Community Development (ACD) under the project titled "Children Know Better: Making Child Participation the Key to Improving Effectiveness of Action against Sexual Exploitation of Children" supported by ECPAT International.
 
Aims of the initiative was to strengthen child protection systems, raise awareness on safeguarding policies, and promote active participation of children in decision-making processes to ensure their safety from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
Commissioner of Rajshahi division Khondoker Azim Ahmed addressed the event as the chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter spoke as special guest with ACD President Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan in the chair.

Divisional Director of the Islamic Foundation Abdur Razzak, Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Rakibul Hasan Ibne Rahman, District Education Officer Abdul Wahab and District Child Affairs Officer Monzurul Kader also spoke.
Around 45 participants consisting of government officials, development activists, journalists, teachers, local leaders, parents, religious leaders and other professionals discussed how to include children's voices in decisions, create child-focused systems and build stronger partnerships between adults and children.
 
ACD Project Coordinators Subrata Kumar Paul, Ali Ahmed and Monirul Islam facilitated the working sessions. 
 
The event underscored that children are not merely victims of sexual exploitation, but also vital partners in identifying solutions. Their active participation, insights, and experiences can help reinforce child protection mechanisms.
 
Ten child leaders from Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Godagari and Mohanpur upazilas, and five peer educators took part in the dialogue sharing their experience.
 
The main objective was to build leadership skills among children and empower them to prevent sexual exploitation through participatory research and data analysis.
 
The project is intended to improve child protection and build trust and cooperation between children and adults.