A national dialogue held in Dhaka has called on all political parties to include clear commitments to protect child rights in their election manifestos ahead of the 2026 national election. The discussion was organised on, Wednesday, December 10, International Human Rights Day by Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO), Human Rights Development Center (HRDC), and Dhaka Center for Dialogue (DCD) at the National Press Club.
Speakers at the event demanded four key commitments. They demanded a complete ban on the use of children in political programmes and campaigns, special security measures for street-connected and at-risk children during elections, clear child rights pledges in party manifestos, and signed public promises from political parties to end the political use of children.
Political leaders from different parties agreed that using children in rallies and campaigns is unethical and must stop. BNP leader Wasi Tami stated that his party is committed to preventing the exploitation of street children. Jamaat leader Dr Abdul Mannan affirmed that no child would be used in future elections. AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju said those who use children in elections should be socially rejected. Amjanata Party General Secretary Tarek Rahman described the practice as disgraceful.
In his closing remarks, LEEDO’s Executive Director Forhad Hossain said promises for children are often forgotten after elections, calling it an injustice to future generations. A street-connected child, Mahfuza Sultana Munni, shared her experience of being used in processions, urging leaders to protect children’s rights. Participants hoped strong commitments would help build a safer and more humane Bangladesh.
