A folk music program and a free health camp were organized at Bahadur Shah Park in Dhaka's Sadarghat on Monday to raise awareness about child labor and violence against street-connected children.
The initiative, organized by the Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO), brought together more than 100 underprivileged children and adolescents, alongside local businesspeople and residents.
The event featured discussions on child rights, folk music performances involving children, and free primary healthcare services. Medical workers conducted general health check-ups and offered health advice to participating children.
Through traditional folk songs, organizers highlighted the importance of protecting child rights, promoting hygiene, preventing child labor, and addressing violence against street-connected children.
Joining the program virtually, LEEDO Founder and Executive Director Forhad Hossain said child labor continues to deprive millions of children in Bangladesh of education, healthcare, and a safe childhood.
Citing the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics' National Child Labor Survey 2022 and the International Labour Organization, he said about 3.54 million children aged between 5 and 17 are engaged in some form of labor across the country.
"This reality is deeply concerning. Child labor deprives children of education, health, and a safe childhood. Families, society, the government, and non-governmental organizations must work together to prevent child labor and child abuse and ensure every child enjoys a safe, dignified, and promising childhood," he said.
LEEDO said the initiative aimed to promote child rights, encourage the participation of underprivileged children in cultural activities, and provide basic healthcare services to vulnerable children.
Local dignitaries, journalists, and representatives from various social organizations also attended the event.
Participants and local residents described the initiative as timely and necessary, saying it helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by street-connected children.
The organizers said combining cultural activities with basic healthcare services can strengthen public awareness, encourage community participation, and improve the well-being of underprivileged children.