Save the Children in Bangladesh has called for stronger efforts to uphold the rights of girls and adolescent girls, develop their leadership, advance their empowerment, and ensure their meaningful participation at all levels of society. The call was made at the ‘IDG Carnival 2026’, held recently at a hotel in Dhaka to mark the International Day of the Girl, said a press release on Saturday.
Held under the theme “Rooted in Every Region, Advancing Every Adolescent Girl”, the event brought together policymakers, development partners, youth representatives, and other stakeholders.
Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon attended as the Chief Guest. “Misinterpretation of religion and patriarchal attitudes remain major challenges to achieving gender equality and ensuring women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. These challenges must be addressed if we are to build an equitable, inclusive and developed Bangladesh,” he said.
The carnival was organised under Save the Children in Bangladesh’s SWOCCHAR project, with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and in collaboration with the National Youth Network (NYN) and women-led organisations.
Special Assistant to the PM on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Md Saimum Parvez attended as the Guest of Honour. Members of Parliament Helen Zerin Khan, Mahmuda Habiba and Mansura Akter attended as Special Guests. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Bangladesh Head of Adolescents and Youth Programme Eliza Azei was also present.
Discussions at the event emphasised the need to remove barriers faced by girls in accessing education, employment, leadership opportunities, entrepreneurship and decision-making. Speakers stressed coordinated efforts by families, communities and institutions to create environments where the voices and needs of girls are recognised.
