Help establish rights of disadvantaged children

They said many street children have engaged in criminal activities as they do not receive any care and shelter from society.

Aparajeyo Bangladesh, an NGO working for the disadvantaged children, organised the workshop on 'The responsibility and participation of the ward commissioners in protecting rights of the children and their development' at the WVA auditorium in the city.

Nasima and Altaf Hossain, two deprived children who have now become almost self-reliant with the support from Aparajeyo Bangladesh, made an appeal to all to stand by the street children to prevent them from going astray.

The disadvantaged children would be able to contribute to society if the affluent section of society extend a helping hand, they said.

Aparajeyo Bangladesh has provided many street children, like Altaf and Nasima, with education and they are now working at different places.

Addressing the workshop, ward commissioners of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) pledged that they would do their best for the betterment of the disadvantaged children.

They also called on all to create a better environment for the underprivileged children so that they can grow up like our children.

If each wealthy person take the responsibility of one child, the deprived can enjoy a wonderful life, they said.

Wahida Banu, programme director of Aparajeyo Bangladesh, said, "We can give the street children a better life and help them become a good citizen through our combined support."

Ishtiaq Ahmed, executive director of Aparajeyo Bangladesh, also spoke.

Dr Enamul Haque, a member of the Law Commission and former inspector general of police, was present as the chief guest.