Street children
The image of children scouring for metals and scraps in a garbage dump speak volumes about the woefully miserable and pitiable state of the have-nots, especially children. We, as citizens of Bangladesh, should hang our heads in shame. That children of seven and eight are forced to sift through hazardous waste on a daily basis to contribute to the income of their families is shocking. It is indeed saddening to know that when they are supposed to be in school, the unfortunate children are wading through used bandages, syringes and old batteries to salvage some metal pieces and plastic containers. The government should take serious note of the inconvenient truth. Child rag pickers are deprived of love and education and are at high risk of being exploited by others, especially bandits and those running junkyards. Children resort to street life due to their instinct to survive in hard life conditions.
The need of the hour is mission-oriented approach to tackle the problems of street children, including rag pickers. The initiative should involve the government, industry associations, schools and special schools, and NGOs. The corporate houses can provide the necessary resources. It appears that a sizeable amount from various poverty reduction schemes is siphoned off by middlemen and the benefits do not reach the needy. The need of the hour is strong political will and a dedicated bureaucracy that can ensure universal education for children.
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