Collective efforts needed to eliminate child labour: Deputy speaker

Deputy Speaker of Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Kayser Kamal on Sunday called for concerted efforts by government and private organisations, civil society and all concerned to eliminate child labour alongside ensuring proper enforcement of existing laws.

“Many good laws exist in the country, but their proper implementation remains inadequate. Those responsible for enforcing laws must be brought under accountability,” he said.

The deputy speaker made the remarks while addressing a dialogue titled “What We Need to Do to Eliminate Child Labour” as the chief guest held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital, said a press release.

The development organisation Action for Social Development (ASD) organised the dialogue in collaboration with the Child Labour Elimination Platform (CLEP), with ASD Executive Director MA Karim in the chair.

Kayser Kamal said law enforcement agencies must perform their duties impartially, particularly when crimes involve influential people.

He said accountability must cover not only political leaders and ministers but also officials and employees of the executive branch of government.

“Those who receive salaries from taxpayers’ money must face proper oversight of their activities,” he said, adding that constructive criticism and effective oversight of the executive branch remain necessary for establishing a desired state.

Speaking about street children, the deputy speaker said the prime minister had invited street children to a meal, demonstrating that they also deserve a dignified and better life.

He said plans were being taken gradually to bring street children back from the streets to homes.

“We have got a humane Prime Minister,” he said, urging all concerned not to politicise such humanitarian initiatives.

“Let us all work together to build a humane Bangladesh,” he said.

The deputy speaker also urged everyone to take an oath not to employ any child below 14 years of age in domestic work.

He said the parliament would take initiatives to amend existing laws or enact new laws, if necessary, to protect children’s interests.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Defence Md Ashraf Uddin Bakul and MPs Bithika Binte Hossain, Anna Minz and Shawkat Ara Akter spoke as special guests.

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ASD Advocacy and Research Coordinator Syed Shahinur Rahman moderated the dialogue.

Among others, Deputy Director of the National Human Rights Commission M Robiul Islam, CLEP member AKM Maksud, ILO National Project Coordinator Syeda Munira Sultana, Manusher Jonno Foundation Project Manager Pablo Neruda, Shapla Neer Bangladesh’s Mahfuza Parveen, ASD Programme Director Lutfun Nahar Kanta, Project Manager UKM Farhana Sultana and SCAN Vice President Aftabuzzaman spoke at the event.

Representatives of civil society, NGOs, human rights organisations, officials concerned from the Parliament Secretariat and journalists from print and electronic media attended the programme.