Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof. Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain. File Photo

DHAKA, Aug 4, 2026 (BSS) - Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof. Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain today said a supportive environment and greater social awareness are essential to unlock children's latent potential, stressing that the government alone cannot achieve this goal.

He made the remarks while addressing a roundtable titled "Act for Early Years: Safeguarding Childhood and the Planet" at Channel i's Mustafa Monwar Studio in the capital, organised by the Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN) and Prokriti O Jibon Foundation.

The discussion focused on child health and nutrition, responsive care, protection, early learning, mental health, climate change and disability.

The minister said children constitute nearly 34 percent of the country's population, while women account for 51 percent, adding that sustainable development is impossible without ensuring their welfare and development.

He said the government has strengthened the Mother and Child Benefit Programme (MCBP), prioritising the health, nutrition and wellbeing of mothers and children. 

Various initiatives are also being implemented to enhance protection, social security and climate resilience for women and children vulnerable to climate change.

Highlighting the government's commitment to social welfare, he said the highest budget allocation has been made for education, the second highest for health, while Tk 1.43 lakh crore has been earmarked for the social safety net sector.

The minister urged all to work together to build a developed and humane Bangladesh for future generations.