Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - Taking part in an open discussion of a meeting here today, development activists, professional leaders and students unequivocally called for building large-scale mass-awareness and social responsibility to prevent child labour. 
 
They viewed that all owners of factories and industries should come forward and work together to eliminate child labour and protect their legitimate rights. 
 
The present government is very positive towards eliminating child labour. 
 
As part of the implementation of its 'Alokito Shishu Project', Rajshahi Regional Office of Caritas Bangladesh organized the meeting at the Padma Drop-in Center in the city today on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour 2026.

The main theme for World Day against child labour 2026 is "Red Card to Child Labour: Fair play for children, decent work for adults."

Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Jahangir Alam addressed the meeting as the chief guest.

Also present were Ransi Ruth Hasda, Program Officer; Md. Faridul Islam, Junior Program Officer; field officials; and representatives of the Alokito Shishu Project of Caritas Rajshahi.

A total of 40 children, consisting of 20 boys and 20 girls, attended the event.

The discussants termed the children as the future power of the nation and called for ensuring equal rights. All the children need teaching of positive family and social values side by side with the institutional ones. Child rights are a major issue, which covers their education, health, nutrition and entertainment needs.
 
Jahangir Alam said children should be protected from all sorts of labour, violence, repression and oppression so that they could make themselves competent enough to serve the nation. 
 
He stressed that children should be taught positive social values and encouraged to develop healthy behaviors at an early age. 
 
Apart from this, he emphasized the need to ensure children's safety and security and to stop early marriage for the greater national interest.

Program Officer Rancy Ruth Hansda told BSS that around 850 children from slums and underprivileged families in Rajshahi are receiving education, healthcare, nutrition, psychosocial support and shelter services through the initiative.
 
The project aims to protect the rights of street-connected children by providing them with access to basic needs, rehabilitation support and awareness on child rights among communities and local authorities.