Deputy Speaker calls for national task force to prevent child abuse

Deputy Speaker calls for national task force to prevent child abuse

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kayser Kamal has called for the formation of a coordinated national child safety task force to prevent rising child abuse in the country.

He made the call while speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion titled 'Addressing Rising Child Abuse in Bangladesh: Barriers, Responsibilities and Actions', organised by the Legal and Health Support Cell for Victimised Women and Children at the Abu Saeed Convention Centre in Shahbagh on Saturday, June 6.

Child abuse cannot be eliminated solely through law enforcement; a coordinated effort from families, educational institutions, social organisations, media and the state is required, the deputy speaker said. Everyone must play a responsible role in ensuring children's safety.

It is essential to identify the root causes of child abuse and assess the gaps in existing laws, policies and protection mechanisms, he added.

He also emphasised adopting effective and sustainable strategies to build a safe, humane and violence-free society for children.

Ensuring the physical, mental and social development of children is a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state, Kayser Kamal noted. The risk of physical, mental and online abuse is alarmingly increasing at present.

The event was attended by the State Minister for Social Welfare, several members of parliament, human rights activists, development workers and other concerned individuals.