A press conference organized by "Kochi Konther Asar" (KKA), an international children's organization advocating for child rights, took place on October 5 at Bishwa Sahitya Kendra in the capital.
Speakers at the event highlighted the urgent need to involve the new generation in building a "Bangladesh of Three Zeros," free from poverty, unemployment, and net carbon emissions.
Hemayet Hossain, founder and president of the organization, presided over the event as the chief guest. He emphasized that 70% of children in the country face discrimination, which poses a major challenge to creating a prosperous new Bangladesh.
Reflecting on the organization's 48 years of activity, Hossain stated, "To fully leverage the demographic dividend, we must liberate the children and teenagers trapped in the cycle of discrimination in Bangladesh. This cannot be achieved by a single effort but requires collective action."
In response to a journalist's question, Hemayet Hossain mentioned that the interim government's head, Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus, is the advocate for building a "World of Three Zeros," a concept recognized globally. "Now, we must consider how to create a 'Bangladesh of Three Zeros' through a collective initiative and how to involve the younger generation in this significant mission," Hossain added.
The press conference was held in conjunction with 'World Children's Day 2024' and 'World Children's Week.' KKA leaders outlined their programs for the first week of October, which aim to promote children's rights, education, health, culture, and environmental well-being.
During the event, students from different regions, alongside journalists, including child reporters, posed questions about the vision of a new and prosperous Bangladesh. Hossain stressed that every child must be given their rights without discrimination. He also called for the interim government to revitalize the Shishu Academy, a national institution for children, which had been left inactive during the past dictatorial regime.
"There is an opportunity to develop the Shishu Academy into a Gen Z-friendly institution, where comprehensive efforts can be made for the overall growth of the younger generation, addressing the deprivation of their rights at district and sub-district levels," Hossain said.
The secretary general of KKA, Mr. Kaium Khan, along with Hemayet Hossain, answered questions from the children and journalists. Other notable figures, including Noor Abdul Mukit, Azmal Ali Khan, and Md. Safiqul Islam, were also in attendance.
On October 1, KKA served quality food to over 5,000 school students at the Surupi Salina Baksa High School grounds in Muksudpur, with support from "Kochi Konther Asar, USA" and "Children's Voice." The organization also conducted various events, such as joy rallies, painting competitions, cultural programs, and food distribution.
KKA submitted four separate memorandums to key stakeholders, including the interim government’s Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Mohammad Yunus, the UN Regional Office, UNICEF, and the US Embassy in Dhaka, urging an end to violations of children's rights in Bangladesh and around the world. Students from numerous institutions—including Bengali and English medium schools, autism schools, madrasas, and institutions like UCEP-Ismail Technical School, Autism Welfare Foundation, and Mastul School—participated in the events.
A minute of silence was observed in honor of children who lost their lives in anti-discrimination movements, followed by a procession of students from various institutions holding placards with messages such as "End Child Labor," "Reform Right to Education for Children," and "Save Gaza, Save Ukraine, Stop the War."
