Around 350 working children in Kurigram district attended a cultural function on September 24 at Shadhinater Bijoy Stambho premises in Kurigram town to observe Meena Day-2012.
The programme included a gathering, colourful rally, discussion and cultural function. Bangladesh Shishu Academy and NGOs Save the Children (EU) and Bangladesh Development Service Centre (BDSC) jointly organised the programme.
A discussion, presided over by co-ordinator of the BDSC, Md. Rohimul Faruque, was held. Deputy Commissioner Md. Habibur Rahman was chief guest and chairperson of Forum for Establishment of Children Rights and Public Prosecutor Advocate SM Abraham Lincoln; general secretary of Kurigram Shilpakala Academy, Md. Rasheduzzaman Babu; and district organiser of Shishu Academy, Md. Ahsanuzzaman, were special guests at the meeting.
District organiser of Shishu Academy, Md. Ahsanuzzaman, said, “Meena symbolises strong character. The physical and mental development of children and their right to education, cultural development and recreation are heightened through Meena.”
“Meena goes to school on time, plays with friends, helps her family and comes to the aid of the needy. We want to instil these traits among our children. We want to create conditions for our children to build a better nation,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Md. Habibur Rahman said at the discussion, “Soon we will give identity cards to working children, so that they can get medical facilities with a 50 percent discount everywhere in the district. Working children, who want to add to their qualifications after passing Junior School Certificate and Secondary School Certificate, will be given the scope of free learning at local institutions.”
After the discussion, a cultural function was held by the working children.
-With The Daily Star input
