70pc of BD children face discrimination: KKA

At least 70 per cent of children in Bangladesh experience some form of discrimination, revealed Kochi Konther Asar (KKA), a children's organisation, during a press conference marking 'World Children's Day 2024' and 'World Children's Week.'
Held at the Biswa Sahitya Kendra in Banglamotor, Dhaka, the event outlined KKA's efforts to address critical issues impacting children, including education, health, and rights, reports UNB.
The organisation emphasised its ongoing commitment to tackling these challenges through targeted programmes across the country.
Addressing the media, KKA founder Hemayet Hossain urged for immediate reforms, particularly in rural areas where children remain deprived of basic education.
"At an age when they should be attending school, many are burdened with family responsibilities," he said, calling on all sectors of society to contribute to improving the lives of underprivileged children.
All children deserve equal rights, without prejudice, he added, stressing the urgency for more support from the government and local communities.
Hossain also criticised the lack of medical support for street children, pointing out that government hospitals fail to provide adequate care for this vulnerable group.
He proposed the formation of a commission to make Shishu Academy more "people-oriented and generation-friendly."
KKA Secretary General Kaium Khan highlighted the global scale of child suffering, particularly in conflict zones. "Children across the world, including Bangladesh, face various forms of abuse.
Those in war-torn countries endure severe violence and hardship," Khan said, referencing the devastating impact on children in Palestine, Ukraine, and Russia.
The press meet also saw the participation of child journalists from different regions, who questioned the panel on how to build a future Bangladesh that protects children's rights.