Initiatives taken to set up playground for children: KCC administrator

KHULNA, Sept 14: KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju on Sunday said initiatives have been taken to establish one playground and futsal facility for every two wards in line with the Prime Minister's election manifesto. 

“The initiative is part of a broader plan to protect children from mobile phone addiction and drug abuse, he made the remarks at a meeting to formulate an action plan for allocating budget for children by Khulna City Corporation (KCC) was held at the Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of Nagar Bhaban here on Sunday afternoon.

World Vision Bangladesh organised the meeting under its Khulna Urban Area Programme with the aim of ensuring protection and rights of children. 

The KCC Administrator also said the "Notun Kuri" programme has been launched for children and activities under the initiative would become visible soon. Children would also be involved in monitoring the programmes, he added. 

The KCC administrator urged children to keep their homes and educational institutions clean and attractive, adding that Tk 18.20 cr budget were deposited for children action plan.

Speakers at the meeting said although there is no separate budgetary head for children, various opportunities for children are included in different sectors of the city corporation's budget.

The meeting was organised to make children aware of such provisions and opportunities.

Khulna Urban Area Programme Manager Suravi Biswas presided over the meeting.

KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Chief Engineer Mashiuzzaman Khan, Chief Health Officer Dr Sharif Shammiul Islam and Budget-cum-Accounts Officer Md Moniruzzaman addressed the meeting as special guests.

World Vision Bangladesh Child Protection and Advocacy Coordinator Beauty Queen, KCC Youth Forum President Md Fahmid Hasan, Vice-President Afroza Akter Swarnali and authorised officials from all 31 wards of KCC were also present.