Govt. farm to eliminate child labour gradually: Mujibul

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BSS, Rajshahi :
State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque, MP, said the present government would gradually eliminate child labour in line with its pledges made in the election manifesto.
He said Bangladesh’s child labour issue has to be considered in the light of the country’s total situation.
“We cannot say that we should be able to eliminate it overnight,” he added while addressing the ‘Capacity Building Workshop for Divisional Child Labour Welfare Council’ in the metropolis on Sunday as the chief guest.
Ministry of Labour and Employment organized the workshop at Hotel Dalash International in association with International Labour Organization and Bangladesh Shishu Odhikar Forum.
With Additional Commissioner (General) of Rajshahi division Munir Hossain in the chair, Inspector General of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment Syed Ahmed, Joint Secretary of Labour and Employment Ministry Khandaker Mustaque Hossain, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Ashraf Uddin and Superintendent of Police Abdus Salam also spoke.
During his keynote presentation, Abdullah Al Mamun, Member of National Child Labour Welfare Council, gave an overview on child labour issue.
State Minister Mujibul Haque said the country’s child rights situation would improve in parallel with the improvement in poverty scenario, and child abuse would be eliminated.
He said the government has taken up some projects to withdraw 55,000 child labourers from the risky working condition, and bring them back to normal life.
Many children are still stuck in risky job situations and the government is giving priority to withdraw them from those situations.
Child rights are a major issue, which covers their education, health, nutrition and entertainment needs. “If the country can ensure women-friendly and child-friendly environment then the child rights will be easily ensured.”
The government has taken up some awareness raising programmes about the issue, Mujibul Haque told the workshop. He said the business community is also doing some activities dedicated to the welfare of the children under their corporate social responsibility.
“The businesses have a role to play and some of them are doing the work. On behalf of the government, we are also encouraging the businesses to do more as we want that the private sector comes forward.”
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