Street children demand more night shelter centres

Street children sing national anthem at the 'Annual Conference 2006' at the LGED auditorium in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

They also demanded immediate implementation of development programmes meant for them and opportunities to lead a better life.

Over 500 street children placed their demands at the 'Annual Conference 2006' jointly organised by Assistance for Slum Dwellers (ASD) and Plan Bangladesh at LGED auditorium at Agargaon in the city.

The children also performed at a cultural show at the conference.

Speaking as the chief guest, Golam Mustafa Talukder, director general of the Academy for Planning Development, said he is impressed by the way the children has raised their voice today.

He also assured that he would raise the issues of the street children at the inter-ministerial meeting.

Expressing concern over their condition, Mustafa said overall development of the country is not possible if their condition remains the same.

Haider Wasim Yakub, programme support manager of Plan Bangladesh, suggested adopting pragmatic strategy for the development of street children prioritising their needs and aspiration.

Prof Nazrul Islam, honorary chairman of the Centre for Urban Studies (CUS), and Rafikul Islam, former chief news editor of Bangladesh Television, also spoke.

Moyna, a trash collector, and Monir, a day labourer at a kitchen market, moderated the daylong programme.