The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Tuesday emphasized on change of mentality and sincere work for overall development of children.

"A bunch of laws and charters for the welfare of children won't work for their overall development if we don't bring change in our mentality and work sincerely for the children," he said at a function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

Dr Fakhruddin said the question should come to the minds of all: Can' t we do something for the welfare of children from one's respective position?

"One question rises in my mind: Are all children of our country in good condition? The answer is: No, they are not."

He said: "How a child will become a good citizen without getting proper education and also proper physical and mental growth and development?"

The function marking the World Child Day and Child Rights Week 2008 was organized by the Women and Children Affairs Ministry.

The Chief Adviser formally opened the Child Week 2008. The theme of this year's Child Rights Week is: Creating a Protective Environment for Child Development.

World Child Day and Child Rights Week 2008 is being observed in the country October 14-20 instead of September 29-October 5 considering the holy Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury presided over the function. Secretary of the Ministry Rokeya Sultana and Farhan Tanvir, on behalf of children, also spoke at the function.

Advisers, Special Assistants to the Chief Adviser, and children from various organizations were present.

Addressing the function, the Chief Adviser said to ensure a nation's future there is no alternative but to ensuring the safety of children, protecting their health and overall development and welfare.

He called upon all guardians, well-off persons, civil society, all child-welfare oriented government and non-government institutions to take more effective initiatives for the welfare of children.

"Let us work collectively to ensure a good future for the next generation," he said.

Dr Fakhruddin said: "The urgency to make a safe and good environment for today's child - future of tomorrow - will have to be felt by all of us."

Responding to the appeal of a child speaker, he hoped that the concerned Ministry would take steps to involve children in the national development process.

Referring to various programmes and schemes for children particularly for the under-privileged and working children as well as juveniles, the Chief Adviser asked the Ministries concerned to take more effective programmes and initiatives and ensure their timely implementation for the welfare of the children.

He advised the children to study properly, prepare them for the future, be good humans and engage themselves for the welfare of the country and its people.

Later, an impressive cultural performance was staged by the children. The Chief Adviser witnessed the event for sometime.