Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal today spoke at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in Shahbagh. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 6, 2026 (BSS) – Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal today called for the formation of a national child safety task force to address growing incidence of child abuse in the country.

“Child abuse is a serious social menace that cannot be eradicated through law enforcement alone,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable titled “Addressing the Growing Incidence of Child Abuse in Bangladesh: Challenges, Responsibilities and the Way Forward” at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in Shahbagh.

Among others, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, MP, actor Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal, Ramisa’s father, representatives of rights organizations, development workers, human rights activists, officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat and journalists from various print and electronic media attended the event.

The event was organized by the Legal and Health Support Cell for Abused Women and Children.
The deputy speaker stressed that combating child abuse requires a coordinated effort involving families, educational institutions, social organizations, the media and all relevant state agencies, said a press release.

“We must all play a responsible role in ensuring the safety and security of our children,” he said.
Kamal emphasized the need to identify the root causes of child abuse and assess gaps in existing laws, policies and protection mechanisms. He underscored the importance of formulating effective and sustainable strategies to build a safe, humane and violence-free environment for children.

He said ensuring the physical, mental and social development of children is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.

Referring to the murder of young Ramisa, the Deputy Speaker said justice would be ensured through the highest court at the earliest possible time.

“We must believe in action rather than words,” he added.

Expressing concern over the increasing risks of physical, psychological and online abuse faced by children, Kamal highlighted the importance of raising parental awareness, strengthening child protection measures in educational institutions, ensuring the safe use of technology and promoting greater social awareness about children’s rights.

He also praised organizations providing legal, medical and psychological support to abused women and children, saying such institutions play a vital humanitarian role in helping victims obtain justice and return to normal life.

The deputy speaker thanked the organizers of the Legal and Health Support Cell for Abused Women and Children and urged them to expand their services further in the future.
The roundtable discussion was moderated by Professor Md. Rafiqul Islam, central coordinator of the organization.

Participants, including lawmakers, policymakers, journalists, physicians, academics, researchers, lawyers, artists, human rights activists, development workers, concerned citizens, victim families and representatives of women and children’s rights organizations, stressed the need for effective enforcement of laws, enhanced public awareness, expansion of victim-friendly services and coordinated initiatives to ensure a safe environment for children.