Bangladesh Child Protection Initiative will stage a human chain protesting child rape, murder, abuse and impunity in the country.
The event carries the title “How many more children must die before the state wakes up?”
The organisers will hold the programme on Saturday at 4pm in front of the National Parliament Building on Manik Mia Avenue.
The organisation expressed deep concern over rising incidents of violence against children. It said children face insecurity at home, on streets, in schools, madrasas, workplaces, shelters and public spaces.
Accirding to the press release, these incidents are not only crimes but also reflect weak state protection systems, social silence and a culture of impunity.
Bangladesh Child Protection Initiative said every child has the right to safety, dignity, education, healthcare, protection and justice. It added that ensuring child protection is a collective responsibility of the state, society, families, institutions and law enforcement agencies.
The human chain will present several demands. These include ensuring prompt, impartial and effective investigation of all cases of child rape, murder and abuse. It also demands swift trials and exemplary punishment for offenders.
Other demands include accountability of law enforcement agencies, local administration and related institutions. It also calls for safe schools, roads, neighbourhoods, public transport and institutions for children.
The group further demands medical care, legal support and mental health services for victim children and their families. It also calls for a national emergency action plan for child protection.
It demands an end to local arbitration, social pressure, political shelter or influence in cases of child abuse.
The organisers said they are holding the programme not only to express grief but also to stand against injustice. They said ensuring child safety is a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.
They added that no child should fall victim to impunity again.
The organisers have called on public health professionals, child rights activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, teachers, parents, students, youths and concerned citizens to join the programme.
