Addressing problem of child labour

Children are the future of a nation. Therefore, we must focus on their upbringing and wellbeing. They should be drawn towards education and recreational activities so that they can contribute to our society. Unfortunately, many children in Bangladesh are forced into labour mainly because of poverty. The number of labouring children labour is increasing day by day in the country. And it can pose a grave threat to our prosperity and progress.
One can find working children about everywhere. Some of them are engaged as transport workers while others work as street vendors and many are seen as trash collectors. The average age of these children is 10. They are supposed to go to school at this age. But they have started working. With the rising levels of inflation, the poor can no longer meet their basic needs even if all members of a family work. Earnings from child labour may provide some relief to these families for the time being. But in the long term, this will be detrimental to both the child and the society at large.
Most of the children who work either do not go to school at all or are taken out of school and sent to work. Children are an asset for any nation. However, we are wasting this asset by engaging them in labour. We should follow developed countries like Japan regarding nurturing our children. Sometimes, we focus on various issues rather than prioritise the upbringing of our children. This should come to an end. And we all should create a better environment for our children.
Muhammad Al Amin,
Savar, Dhaka,
sajalamin589@gmail.com