It was about a month ago that we saw the fire disaster at the factory of Hashem Foods and Beverage Company Ltd in Rupganj, Narayanganj, where over 50 lives were lost. It bears repeating that these lives could have been saved had there been any regard for the workers in the premises from those in charge, and had there been any semblance of safety precautions and facilities available.
Now, on top of the callousness and disregard that the owners have displayed, reports are emerging from an investigation committee of the Narayanganj district administration that there was evidence of child labour found at the factory.
To say that this is unacceptable would be a gross understatement. Child labour continues to be among the most inhumane practices that unfortunately persists in our society, and it is about time that we as a nation treat this social ill with the seriousness it warrants.
This begins with accountability, and it is where Bangladesh continues to fail its people, as those responsible for employing children, often in conditions unfit for any human being, are allowed to do so with impunity, facing little to no repercussions for their immoral actions.
The law must do a better job of protecting the children of Bangladesh; having laws in place is meaningless if they are never enforced, and the guilty, using their power or influence, continue to perpetuate this exploitation of the future generations of our country.
Enough is enough. Bangladesh may speak loudly and proudly about its many achievements, but unfortunately, we remain far from being the equitable nation we strive to be as long as our children are working in factories, deprived of an education and learning, and ultimately being robbed of their childhood.
