Development activists, professionals, community leaders and students have called for strengthening social responsibility and raising public awareness to eliminate child labour across Bangladesh.
They made the remarks at an open discussion in Rajshahi on Thursday, marking the World Day Against Child Labour 2026, organized by Caritas Bangladesh under its Alokito Shishu Project at the Padma Drop-in Centre.
Speakers stressed that factory and industry owners, along with society as a whole, must work together to end child labour and protect children’s rights. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating child labour and ensuring a safer future for children.
Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Jahangir Alam, the chief guest, said children must be protected from all forms of labour, exploitation and abuse, while also ensuring education, safety and healthy social values.
Officials noted that around 850 underprivileged children in Rajshahi are currently receiving education, healthcare, nutrition and psychosocial support under the project aimed at protecting street-connected children and promoting child rights awareness.