Destitute Children and Initiatives for their Welfare in Bangladesh

Initiatives by government and non-government organizations

The government of Bangladesh has taken many initiatives and programs for the

welfare of these destitute children. As a result, Bangladesh government ratified

the CRC on September 2, 1990 and later, the government adopted the National

Child Policy in 1994. Moreover, under the Article 44 of CRC, the government of

Bangladesh is committed to submit report to the `Committee on the Rights of the

Child’ about the progress of the programs and initiatives taken by the government

for the implementation of rights of children. The government of Bangladesh has

already submitted its reports in this regard. In addition, it has reflected in the

5 th five year plan (1997-2002) about the execution of children rights set by in

the world summit on children. It is also specified in the 5 th five-year plan about

`National Plan for Action (1997-2002) and Decade for Female Children.’ Through

these programs, the government has taken necessary steps for the protection of

life of children and to ensure their growth. The strategies undertaken in these

programs are included: execution of programs successfully through co-operation

with government, NGOs and non-government initiatives. For this, two-way

strategies have been taken. The first strategy included monitoring the targets of

adopted planned projects, data collection and preservation and exhibition and

adoption of pilot projects. These activities would be performed under the direct

supervision of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. The second strategy

is adoption of direct steps for the various development targets for the children. For

this, the ministries and departments involved with child related issues have been

proposed to execute programs taken for the welfare of children. These ministries

and departments include: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of

Education, Ministry of Planning, Local Government and Engineering Department,

Public Health and Engineering Department and Primary and Mass Education

Department. It is to be noted here that 10 ministries have been included in the

committee on the execution of CRC which is leading the Ministry of Women and

Children Affairs. The main objective of the committee is to monitor the situation

of children in the country. Jatiyo Shishu Parishad (National Child Council) is

the highest authority for making and adopting policies for the development of

children (GOB, 2000: 9-10.) Despite adoption of National Child Policy, a large

number of children have been yet deprived of education, healthcare, nutrition,

habitation and other basic needs for shortage of resources.

We know that a number of government and non-government organizations are

working for the welfare of the destitute children in Bangladesh. Particularly, the

organizations and institutions like S hishu Paribar, Shishu Sadan , PHT Centre,

Diba Kalin Shishu Jotno Kendro ( Day Care Centre), Maternity and Child Health

Care Centre, Chhotomoni Nibas (Baby Home), Save Home, Drop-in Centre,

Juvenile Development Centre, ERPH, Shishu Academy etc. are working for the

welfare of the destitute children in the government level. On the other hand,

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