Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Dec 22, 2025 (BSS)- Integrated efforts of all the government and non-government organizations concerned can be the crucial means of protecting children from sexual exploitation.

Besides, emphasis should be given on formulating national-level policies and action plans related to children’s real-life experiences and perspectives to attain the cherished goal.

Government officials and other stakeholders made the observations while addressing a project learning dialogue to review lessons learnt, challenges, and future actions in preventing child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The dialogue was organised by the Association for Community Development (ACD) at Boalia Club conference hall 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.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sabur Ali, Additional Police Superintendent of Police Sabina Yeasmin, Deputy Director of Department of Youth Development Shariful Islam, District Education Officer Zayedur Rahman, Deputy Director of Department of Social Service Monira Khatun and District Child Affairs Officer Monzurul Kader addressed the meeting as resource persons.

Project Coordinator Ali Ahmed focused on the project’s goals and objectives, while Team Lead (Advocacy, Lobby and Networking) of ACD Subrata Kumar Paul moderated the discussion.

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.

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. 

The main objective was to build leadership skills among children and empower them to prevent sexual exploitation through participatory research and data analysis.