Non-governmental organisation LEEDO, in collaboration with the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), has held a roundtable discussion titled “Safeguarding the Rights of Disadvantaged Children Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election 2026.”
The event was held at the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) conference room to address the protection of underprivileged and street children.
Mohammad Ejaz, administrator of the DNCC, attended the session as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that children are the most vulnerable group affected by urban pollution.
He stated that the authorities aim to build a child-friendly city that provides children with a healthy environment to breathe and adequate spaces to play.
The Administrator further noted that the urban social safety net remains significantly weak, pointing out that national safety net programmes have traditionally been rural-based, failing to reflect the specific needs of urban populations.
Mahfuja Sultana Munni, a young journalist, served as the keynote speaker and stressed that all stakeholders must remain aware and accountable to ensure that disadvantaged children are not exploited in political processes.
During the event, LEEDO announced a 12-point manifesto aimed at political parties to ensure the protection and rights of street children.
Key demands in the proposed manifesto include the establishment of a separate ministry or directorate for street and disadvantaged children, ensuring legal identity for every child, and the launch of a central digital database.
The manifesto also calls for the setting up of child help desks, the provision of free education and healthcare, emergency housing, technical training, and the establishment of drug addiction prevention and rehabilitation centres.
Furthermore, it advocates creating opportunities for participation in cultural and sports activities and requires a clear commitment from political parties not to use children in any political programmes.
The roundtable was attended by child rights activists, representatives from various NGOs, and young journalists.
Speakers collectively called for the inclusion of child rights in political priorities for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and urged all political parties to refrain from using disadvantaged children for political purposes.
