President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for ensuring the safety of girls at home, in schools, in society and online, stressing the need for a zero-tolerance policy and speedy trials in cases of violence against women and children, rape and sexual harassment.
He made the remarks at a programme marking International and National Girl Child Day 2026 at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium on Monday.
The president said political commitment, administrative efficiency, social participation and, above all, a change in mindset were essential to empowering girls to achieve their full potential.
To prevent child marriage, the government is prioritising poverty alleviation, free education, stipends and stronger social safety nets, alongside verification of birth registrations and expanded opportunities for girls to pursue higher education, he said.
Referring to the killing of Tajmin, the president said: “We are moving forward, yet in some areas, we are regressing. It is the responsibility of guardians to look after their children. The girl from Cumilla was missing from home for three days, yet no concern was evident among her guardians.”
On public safety, he said: “When mothers sit on spread-out newspapers near schools waiting to take their children home, it reveals just how unsafe society has become.”
