A Correspondent :
One hundred children-friendly centres have been set up at Kutupalang in Ukhia Upazila of the district with a view to helping Rohingya children to bring them out of their mental trauma which they experienced in Myanmar.
The centres have become crowded places with the presence of thousands of children.
Sources said there are 60 per cent of children among the six-lakh Rohingyas fled from Myanmar after being tortured by the army of the country. And they all are mentally shocked. To improve their mental condition, the centres have been set up there.
United Nation’s Children Affairs organisation Unicef is working there with Bangladesh Government.
The children-friendly centres remain open from 9am to 4pm every day, and it is open for all-aged children. They can visit the centres anytime.
Rahman, a Rohingya boy, said I come here every day; I can play here and spend wonder time.
Another baby Shamim said, “We play ludu here, draw pictures and sing songs.
After a spot visit at a centre at Gulshan Hill of Kutupalang in Ukhia, it was found that 50 Rohingya children are playing and singing at a room of 30/40 feet width. It seemed the place is the kingdom of children.
Rohingya girl Muhsena said, “I visit the place every day and stay for two/three hours. I feel better to come here.”
Sumaiya, a supervisor of the centre, said, “We do not ask the children about the Arakan state nor we want to know their past, we just like to keep them cheerful.”
Communication Specialist of Unicef Faria Selim said, there are many steps to bring the mentally-shocked children in normalcy; the first step is playing and doing cultural activities; with this they can forget their unbearable memories.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ali Hossain said it’s a big achievement of Bangladesh Government to bring smile on the face of Rohingya children again, who experienced the atrocities by Myanmar army.
“Our government has taken some initiatives for the Rohingya children, and as part of the initiatives, the Children-Friendly Centres have been set up,” he added.
