Those hapless children
It has been observed many times in many ways that every nation, whether it is civilized or not, treats its children as the most precious and gifted wealth bestowed on it, not because of the fact that they cause the population to rise but because the new faces with vitality and integrity will not only lead the nation but also show us the infinite possibility in them.
Regrettably, in Bangladesh we divide them and expect these things only from a particular section of children who are born fortunate and avail themselves of different basic rights. But what about the rootless children or urchins who are born ill-fated? Don't they have the creativity as that of the fortunate children?
With a silent famine being experienced now in the country, the number of poor children is on the rise in a geometric progression. More often than not, they are homeless, orphans living in different places like railway stations, slums, makeshift hut or streets. They are left on the streets to fend for themselves. What a miserable life they lead with little food and at times without any food! In ragged half-torn shorts, they are often seen begging mainly for money and food and collecting garbage from city streets, dustbins or from different risky places only for a mouthful of rice. Their pale faces indicate their untold sufferings. But they, no doubt, could have excelled in every sphere of life.
Yes, we are living in a third world country and most often our dreams remain dreams due to the never-ending poverty. Our policy makers give preference to national issues and are often reluctant to think deeply about these rootless children. But their participation in building the nation is a must as they are our gifted wealth. To be precise, development in any country will never gain momentum until and unless its children, irrespective of the place they are born and brought up, are patronized equally.
There is no denying the fact that we can never expect a better Bangladesh depriving this huge number of children of their fundamental rights. They must be rehabilitated on an emergency basis. Besides, our mindset needs to be changed. What they actually lack is a congenial atmosphere for their proper physical and psychological growth. The government and NGOs cannot handle the problem alone. We all should come forward with a vow to give them a serving hand and give them the opportunities they need to have for participating in building the nation. Let's help them!
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