7.9 m engaged in 13 worst types of child labour

The dialogue titled 'Civil Society and Working Children' was organised by Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) and Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) at Biam auditorium in the city.

Speaking as keynote speaker, Wahida Banu, director (Programme) of Aporajeyo-Bangladesh, pointed out that children are engaged in risky and hazardous sectors such as prostitution, trafficking, camel jockeys, chemical and tobacco industries, glass factories, tanneries, salt factories, transport sector, carrying drugs and firearms, welding and garbage picking.

Noting that there are more than 250 non-governmental organisations working on child labour in Bangladesh, she stressed the need for coordination among them and also with the government.

Child labour in the country is 6.16 per cent of the total volume in the world, she said.

Director of CAMPE Syeda Rasheda K Chowdhury underscored the need for community-based approach to reduce child labour in Bangladesh.

The working children also expressed their toiling experiences at the dialogue.

Advocate Rokhsana Khondkar chaired the programme while Secretary in charge of Ministry of Labour and Employment Syed Shujauddin Ahmed, Deputy Director of CAMPE Tasneem Taher, Chairperson of Human Rights-First The Child A H M Mainuddin Ahmed, Kazi Abdur Razzak of UCEP and Dr Shamsul Alam of Ganotantrik Majdur Party also spoke on the occasion.