The government cannot end child labour alone, as Bangladesh needs the combined effort of all political parties, non-government organisations (NGOs), and civil bodies to end this malpractice.
State Minister for Labour and Employment Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury made the remark as the chief guest in a shadow parliament event on ending child labour, organised by Debate for Democracy in the city’s FDC on Saturday.
Nazrul pointed out, “The government is focusing on ensuring maximum transparency in the implementation of activities that help eradicate child labour. Although the desired success in ending child labor has yet to be seen, there is no shortage of political goodwill.
“The government is working towards making Bangladesh free of child labour by 2025.”
Nazrul then added, “Thakurgaon district is in the process of being declared the first child labor free district in Bangladesh. Besides, initiatives have also been taken to make Rajshahi and other districts free from child labour.
“Gradually, it will be possible to free some more districts and upazilas from child labor within a year.”
Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran presided over the event. Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment Md Mahbub Hossain attended as the special guest.
Kiran said, “At the age when children should have books, many children are taking the tools of labour in their hands as the struggle of life. They are choosing to do risky jobs for some food for their families.
“Many of them are engaged in various high-risk jobs, such as iron-steel welding, motorcycle repairs, shoe manufacturing, bidi making, and tailoring. Children were also seen pulling rickshaws or vans, with hands that are supposed to be holding books.”
He continued, “Although our law has various measures to eradicate child labour, it is not yet fully implemented. If we fail to end child labor by 2025, SDG Goal 8 will not be achieved.
“It should be investigated whether there is lack of coordination between government agencies and NGOs to eradicate child labour. No matter how much development takes place in the country, if we cannot stop child labor, and protect street children, then that development will not be sustainable.”
The debaters of Shaheed Police Smrity College (SPSC) became champions defeating Kabi Nazrul Government College contestants in the shadow debate titled “Debate for Democracy: Root cause of child labour is not just poverty.”
Inspector General of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment Md Abdur Rahim Khan, Officer in Charge of ILO Country office Bangladesh Neeran Ramjuthan and Educo Bangladesh Country Director Abdul Hamid spoke on the occasion among others.
The champion team received Tk 50,000 and the runner-up team Tk 25,000 as prize along with trophy, crests and certificates.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, International Labour Organization (ILO), and Educo Bangladesh have supported in organising the competition.
