Street children need care and attention

It is estimated that 380,000 children of the country between the ages of five and 14 years live on the streets. The health of these children is at great risk.

The street children some times get involved in crime. Criminal gangs use these vulnerable children in unlawful activities. This paves the way for these children to become criminals when they grow up. Many notorious criminals came up from the streets. Poverty and illiteracy lured them into a world of crime. There are seldom any easy exit routes out of it for them.

Girl children on the streets face more harassment. Many are exploited and they cannot even protest. Many girls are lured into prostitution. Others become victims of human trafficking.

There are many among these street children who are very intelligent. Unfortunately, they are not getting the opportunity to prove their potential to the world due to their economic condition. Everyone should get an opportunity in life. These children should not be deprived.

The non-governmental organisations (NGO) and the government have been trying hard to rehabilitate these children in order to change their future. Society as a whole should also play a role in this rehabilitation process. Members of the society can ensure that every child gets a basic education. This way they will grow up to be literate and hopefully have a strong moral compass.

Roksana Sultana

Uttara, Dhaka