The Child Labour Elimination Platform (CLEP) has demanded a swift, transparent and exemplary trial following the arrest of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ managing director and CEO, his wife and others over allegations of abuse of a child domestic worker.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CLEP said it is closely monitoring the case and expects the investigation and judicial process to be conducted in accordance with existing laws, particularly the Children Act and the Domestic Workers Protection Policy.
The platform said incidents involving serious violations of child rights must not be influenced by social status or institutional power.
“There should be no scope for privilege or impunity based on position. A strong and exemplary verdict will send a clear message of zero tolerance against violence against children and child labour,” the statement read.
CLEP also urged the authorities to ensure comprehensive state-supported care for the child, including medical treatment, mental health services, education and long-term rehabilitation.
Describing the incident as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of child domestic workers in Bangladesh, the platform called on the government and relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to end child labour in domestic work. This includes identifying, rescuing and rehabilitating child domestic workers to prevent further exploitation and abuse.
In the statement, CLEP placed several demands before the government. It called for full medical care, psychological support and long-term rehabilitation of the child under state supervision, and for a speedy and transparent trial free from any influence of high office.
The platform also urged the government to classify domestic work as hazardous child labour, effectively banning the employment of anyone under 18 in domestic work. It further called for mandatory registration of domestic workers, written employment contracts and structured social protection mechanisms.
CLEP stressed the need for nationwide awareness campaigns to counter the narrative that sending children to work due to poverty is acceptable, and to ensure the child’s continued education, safety and social support.
It also demanded the enactment of a Domestic Workers Protection Act in line with the existing Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy.
The platform called for coordinated and decisive action from the government, civil society and other stakeholders to eliminate child labour in domestic work and to build a safe, rights-based environment for all children.
CLEP noted that it is a coalition of 25 national and international development organisations and the only such platform in Bangladesh working collectively to eradicate child labour and promote child rights.