Development organization Leedo observed International Day for Street Children at the Leedo Peace Home on Saturday afternoon.
The program included a discussion forum, mobile clinic, and cultural performances followed by a rally.
The chief guest of discussion, AKM Rezaul Haque, goodwill ambassador and chairman of Lions Club Bangladesh said: "Establishing the rights of street children must be a collective social commitment. Government and private stakeholders need to play a more effective and coordinated role, especially in ensuring the social security of street children displaced by coastal climate disasters."
Leedo’s Executive Director Forhad Hossain, remarked: "Our responsibility is to stand with these children and encourage the state and society to respond with empathy and humanity."
Hiroki Watanabe, co-founder of Ekmattra Society said: “We need to create spirite and examples for the children.”
Md Amran Khan, assistant director of the Department of Social Services, emphasized the urgent need for collective action, saying: “The issue of children living on the streets is deeply complex and rooted in many social and economic factors. The government alone cannot address this challenge it requires the combined efforts of all stakeholders, including communities, civil society, and international partners.”
He further highlighted the importance of accrediting social service workers to ensure children’s safety, dignity, and access to essential support.
International Day for Street Children has been celebrated globally since 2012, to recognize the humanity, dignity and defiance of street children in the face of unimaginable hardships.