Staff Reporter :
Expressing severe concern, lawmakers at a discussion meeting on Wednesday said that it would not be possible to meet sustainable development goal [SDG] keeping around 420,000 children employed as ‘domestic aids’.
To eliminate ‘risky child labour’ from the country, the lawmakers also laid emphasis on primary education along with vocational training for the children as they can be able to earn their livelihood with less effort, and ensure a bright future.
“For the first time in the country’s history, the present government has introduced children’s budget which disbursed among concerned ministries, including labour, primary education and health. Unfortunately, the finance ministry gets back the child allocation most of the time, as the relevant ministries cannot use it,” said Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia.
Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum with the cooperation of Delhi-based Global March Against Child Labour organised the view-exchange meeting at IDP Conference Room of the National Parliament Bhaban in the city.
Md Israfil Alam MP, Nazmul Haque Pradhan MP, Ummey Razi Kazol MP, Poet Kazi Rozi MP, and director of the forum Abdus Sahid Mahmud were present at the function, among others, while Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia delivered his speech as the chief guest.
“It means, the concerned ministries and departments do not give importance to the children’s welfare. Whereas, the government has taken specific plans to eliminate the child labour by 2021… So, the officials of 47 ministries and departments, those are entitled to implement the work, must remain cautious in this regard,” the Deputy Speaker noted.
He further gave focus on creating awareness among the general people, and urged everybody not to keep children as ‘house workers’ in their houses.
Expressing concern, Md Israfil Alam said: “At present, child labour has been reduced significantly due to proper steps taken by the government. The international organizations have already recognized the government’s initiatives… In our present labour law, the child labour is restricted. Now, initiatives have been taken to introduce new law for the labours of informal sectors. If it is possible, the child labour will also be eliminated forever.”
Mentioning the poverty as main reason behind the child labour, Nazmul Haque Prodhan said: “It will not be possible to eliminate child labour taking programmes only in the urban areas. We’ll have to go to the villages to find out the root cause. We’ll have to ensure employment for poor people of the villages. At the same time, there must be assurance of work-oriented-education for the deprived children.”
Mentioning the children as a gift of heaven, Kazi Rozi said: “We’re proceeding forward despite different obstacles. The government has taken initiatives to eliminate child labour … But I think, the non-government organizations will have to come forward to face the challenge.”
Ummey Razi Kazol urged the concerned departments and donor organizations for more cooperation in this regard.
The key-note paper was presented by programme coordinator Abdullah Al Mamun where he mentioned that 13 lakh children are still engaged in risky labour in the country. Of them, 420,000 children are employed as ‘house workers’.
