Everyone must work together sincerely and strategically to stop child labour, said speakers at a views exchange meeting on eliminating child labour.
“The situation of child labor in the country has improved. However, the number of child laborers in the country is still about 47 lakh. It is possible to stop child labor if specific steps are taken by identifying the sectors where there is child labor. Otherwise, it will remain a curse for everyone,” they said.
The views exchange meeting titled ‘The role of trade unions and media in eliminating child labour’ organized by Bangladesh Council and Labor Rights Journalists’ Forum was held at the Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters' Unity on Saturday.
President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Omar Faruque was present on the occasion as the chief guest.
He said,“The miserable condition of child labor that existed in our country in the past has improved a lot. Especially in the labor-intensive area of Dhaka, the situation is no longer the same. However, steps should be taken regarding what can be done to resolve the issues that still exist. The government must come forward in this regard.”
“We do not want to see any child laborer in the transport sector. There are still many child laborers in the transport sector, especially in human haulers. If the transport sector is to be free of child labor, the law enforcement agencies must play an important role. We have to take steps to ensure that there are no children working as a helper or driver in any transport. They should be sent to school by giving them the amount of money they earn by working,” he further said.
The event was chaired by International Trade Union Confederation Bangladesh Council (ITUC-BC) Chairman Anwar Hossain.
He said, “We do not know about a child's innovative thoughts. If we help them develop their talents, then the country will move forward and child labor will be eliminated.”
Abdul Hannan, President of Bangladesh Labor Rights Journalists Forum and Shahidullah Badal, General Secretary of United Workers Federation were also present during this time, among others.