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Dhaka, Bangladesh (NewsBahn) – By Saleem Samad

Special to All Headline News

A proposed national child policy would prohibit use of children in political activities and their employment in hazardous jobs in Bangladesh.

Unlike in Palestine and Indian-administered Kashmir, political activists often mobilize children to join protest rallies, which often turn violent when confronted by riot police. “Children are in the front line during demonstrations and anti-government riots,” said political scientist Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed.

On the eve of an anti-government nationwide shut down, police pick up thousands of children and teenagers from city slums to frustrate the opposition.

The draft policy is in conformity with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that children under 18 years of age would be deemed as a child, irrespective of their castes, religions, communities, and social status. The government will appoint an ombudsman for children to ensure implementation of the UNCRC.

The previous child policy age limit was 14, bringing in nearly 45 percent of the country’s estimated 156 million population.

The new child policy seeks to target ultra-poor children and street kids under the protection of its social safety net, also eradicate child labor gradually, The Daily Star newspaper said.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said the new policy pays more attention to qualitatively enhancing child health security and rights. The government will finalize the policy by early October.

Under the policy, the government would start a concerted effort with non-government and charity organizations to provide free health services and education to poor children.

Wahida Banu, chairman of Bangladesh Shishu Odhikar (Child Rights) Forum, told The Daily Star, “The social protection net will help reduce the number of homeless children, who are vulnerable to exploitation on streets, and to becoming drug users, peddlers, or muggers. We hope the social safety net will cover the children’s basic demands and protect them.”

Bangladesh has an estimated 8 million working children. Taking them immediately away from jobs would only add to hunger and miseries for their families. The draft policy prohibits employment of children under 14 years of age as full time workers. A draft child policy envisages elimination of the scourge in a phased manner.

According to the draft, at least 26.5 million children in the country live below the poverty line, with little or no means to meet their basic needs.

Saleem Samad is a journalist based in Bangladesh who writes on current affairs.

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