"70% of children in the country are suffering from discrimination in every way of their lives which is a big challenge in building a prosperous new Bangladesh". Speakers louded that at a press conference organised by "Kochi Konther Asar" (KKA), an international children's organization agitating for child rights, on October 5 at Bishwa Sahitya Kendra in the capital. Hemayet Hossain, founder president of the organization has presided as the chief guest.
Highlighting the long 48 years of activity, the leader of Kochi Konther Asar said, "In order to cope the benefits of the demographic dividend, the children and teenagers trapped in the circle of discrimination in Bangladesh must be freed. This is not possible with a single effort."
In response to a journalist's question, Hemayet Hossain replied, "The head of the interim government and our Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus is the Proponent of building a "World of 3 Zeros", which has been recognized worldwide. Now we have to think, how can we build a Bangladesh of 3 zeros with a collective initiative and how to involve the new generation in the great work."
On the occasion of 'World Children's Day 2024' and 'World Children's Week', the leaders of the KKA gave details of various programs during the first week of October. They said that this KKA is making a significant contribution to the development of children's education, health, culture and environment.
It should be noted that during the last week, an exceptional press conference was organized to highlight the objectives and details of various programs in front of various media workers. During this time, students from different regions of the country and various media workers including some child journalists asked questions to the organizers about building a new prosperous Bangladesh.
Hemayet Hossain, a prominent social worker and founder of KKA said, "All the children of the country should be given their rights without discrimination. There is a national institution called Shishu Academy in Bangladesh, which has been kept ineffective during the past dictatorial regime."
In response to a journalist's question, he replied, "The interim government should take the initiative to develop the Shishu Academy as a GenZ-friendly institution. By making it a dynamic institution, there are opportunitis to work on a comprehensive basis regarding the total growth of newgen of different districts and upazila levels and their deprivation of rights."
Hemayet Hossain and the secretary general Mr. Kaium Khan of the central executive committee of the institute answered the queries of the participating children and journalists. Besides them Noor Abdul Mukit, Azmal Ali Khan and Md. Safiqul Islam of KKA and distinguished personalities attended at the press conference.
It is to be noted that on October 1 (Tuesday), quality food was served to more than 5000 school students at Surupi Salina Baksa High School grounds in Muksudpur. It is supported by 'Kochi Konther Asar, USA' and 'Children's Voice'.
Also, the organization conducts various programs including joy rally, painting competition, cultural program, distribution of quality food among children.
KKA has submitted four separate memorandums to key stakeholders, including Chief Advisor of the interim government Professor Dr. Mohammad Yunus, UN Regional Office, UNICEF and the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. These memorandums call for an end to violations of children's rights, both in Bangladesh and globally. Students from various institutions, including Bengali and English medium schools, autism schools, madrasas, and schools such as UCEP- Ismail Technical School, Autism Welfare Foundation, Mastul School, Karail Slum Street School, Motijheel Central Govt High School, Kamrunnesa Gitls School, Laalmatia school & College, BSIC School & College, Mirpur University College, Academia, Manipur School (Tribal Students), Al Amin Hifzul Quran Madrasah and Orphanage, and Mapleleaf School, were present.
The organization also observed a minute of silence in honor of children who have been killed or injured in anti-discrimination movements at the beginning of the day.
A procession followed, with students from various institutions, including Bengali and English medium schools, autism schools, madrasas, and others, carrying placards with messages such as "End Child Labor," "Reform Right to Education for Children," and "Save Gaza, Save Ukraine, Stop the War."
UCEP- Ismail Technical School, Autism Welfare Foundation, Mastul School, Karail Slum Street School, Motijheel Central Govt High School, Kamrunnesa Girls School, Laalmatia school & College, BCIC School & College, Mirpur University College, Academia, Manipur School (Tribal Students), Al Amin Hifzul Quran Madrasah and Orphanage, and Mapleleaf School also participated.
