A unique day for Satkhira children

Children, joined by teenagers, formed a three-kilometre human chain on Satkhira- Jessore road yesterday to create awareness about child rights. PHOTO: STAR

Over 3,000 school children, both boys and girls, formed a three-kilometre human chain from Kadamtala to Satkhira town by the side of Satkhira-Jessore road raising their voices to ensure child rights in line with the Child Rights Convention of the United Nations.

A meeting also held in front of the main gate of the Deputy Commissioner's office during the programme.

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Chaired by Aparesh Pal, director of Bangladesh Vision, a local NGO, it was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Altaf Hossain as chief guest while Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Ashrafuzzaman, Assistant Commissioner of Land Nayeb Ali and Peter D' Costa were present as special guests.

It was addressed by Madhab Dutta, Farida Akhtar Beauty, Shyamal Kanti, Mili Binaru, Peter Sudip Haldar.

Speakers stressed the need for ensuring rights of children in line with the Child Rights Convention of the United Nations.

They said, mere enactment of law cannot protect child rights. Public awareness is a must for attaining the desired goal, they said.

They said, the civil society should take the responsibility for development of children alongside the government.

They lamented observing non-implementation of laws enacted to protect child rights. They called for implementation of laws to safeguard child rights in the society.

They called upon the government to formulate an action plan to eliminate all kinds of exploitation including child labour. They also urged the government and NGOs to work unitedly for welfare of children.