70% of children in Bangladesh face discrimination: Kochi Konther Asar

At least 70% of children in Bangladesh experience some form of discrimination, according to Kochi Konther Asar (KKA), a children's organisation.

During a press conference marking 'World Children's Day 2024' and 'World Children's Week', KKA founder Hemayet Hossain said this is a big challenge in building a prosperous new Bangladesh.

He urged the government to include youth in building 'Bangladesh of Three Zeros'.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus is the proponent of building a "World of Three Zeros", which can be implemented in the country by including the new generation, he said.

"Now we have to think how we can build this with a collective initiative and how to involve the new generation in this great work," he said at a press conference organised by the KKA, on 5 October at Bishwa Sahitya Kendra in the capital.

"In order to cope with 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," Hemayat said.

Hemayet Hossain, who is also a social worker, said, "All children of the country should be given their rights without discrimination. There is a national institution called Shishu Academy in Bangladesh, which has been ineffective during the past dictatorial regime.

"The government should take the initiative to develop the Shishu Academy as a GenZ-friendly institution."