Over 200 children have presented a six-point manifesto ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, calling on the government and political parties to prioritise child protection and rights in their policies and programmes.
The manifesto, unveiled at a special event organised by ActionAid Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, outlines key demands including quality education, healthcare, child participation, cyber safety, climate justice, and a safe environment for all children. It also calls for stricter enforcement of laws against child marriage, child labour, and violence.
The programme, held as part of Children’s Rights Week 2025, carried the theme “Empowering Children, Ending Child Marriage – Ensuring Safe Childhoods in the Digital World.” It brought together government officials, academics, and child rights experts to discuss ways to strengthen child protection in Bangladesh.
A panel discussion moderated by Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, Farah Kabir highlighted the shared responsibility of the state, society, and institutions in ensuring children’s well-being. Speakers underscored that immediate and collective action is essential to secure children’s futures.
“Policies concerning children directly affect their lives. Listening to them and including their perspectives in decision-making is not only their right but also the foundation of effective policy formulation,” said Farah, adding that in the digital era, ensuring children’s safety and opportunities must go hand in hand.
Children at the event read out their manifesto, voicing expectations for their physical and mental well-being. Tamanna, a child representative, urged the government to make sexual and reproductive health education compulsory in all schools and ensure strict monitoring of laws to end child marriage and online abuse.
Shabnam Mustari, additional secretary at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, emphasised collaboration among the government, civil society, and development partners to enhance digital safety and incorporate digital literacy into the national curriculum.
Director General of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Dilara Begum said the academy is working to nurture creativity among children and promote responsible parenting, stressing that children’s participation in policy discussions is a national duty.
Natalie McCauley, chief of child protection at UNICEF Bangladesh, noted that establishing a permanent division dedicated to children within the ministry could help address systemic challenges.
Other speakers, including BTRC Chair Mohammad Emdad Ul Bari, Additional Deputy Commissioner of DMP Police, Md Elius Ziku and Honorary Member of the NHRC, Dr Tania Haque, discussed the need for cyber safety, legal reform, and awareness to prevent child exploitation.
The event also featured cultural performances and a symbolic Children’s Parliament Session, where children presented their concerns directly to policymakers. Around 80 child journalists from across the country joined virtually.
