The Deputy Commissioner’s announcement to take responsibility for the education and sports of Zobaida, a child who left child labor and won the 100-meter divisional sprint competition.
Under the slogan “Say no to child labor, ensure a decent working environment,” a colorful rally and discussion meeting were held in Chattogram, on June 29, to observe the World Day Against Child Labour 2026. The event was organized by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), Chattogram, with support from various local development organizations, including YPSA, World Vision, Ghasful, and Caritas.
Although the day is globally observed on June 12 every year, it was celebrated nationwide on June 29 this year following a decision by the Ministry of Labour and Employment due to public holidays.
DC vows strict action against hazardous child labor within six months.
The program commenced at 3:00 PM with a vibrant rally starting from the Chattogram Circuit House premises, which paraded through major city roads before concluding at the Circuit House conference room for the discussion. Speakers at the meeting emphasized collective efforts to prevent child labor, protect child rights, ensure a safe and decent working environment, and build a child-labor-free Bangladesh.
Chaired by Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan, Deputy Inspector General of DIFE Chattogram, the event was attended by Chattogram District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Jahidul Islam Miah as the chief guest.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner announced that he would personally take full responsibility for the education and sports expenses of Zobaida, a child who recently left child labor and went on to win first place in the 100-meter sprint at the divisional primary school sports competition.
Furthermore, the DC issued a strong warning, declaring that a rigorous drive will be launched within the next six months to eliminate child labor from all hazardous sectors in Chattogram. Legal action will be strictly enforced against any individual or institution employing children in hazardous conditions, he added.
Calling upon the wealthy, industrialists, businessmen, and conscious citizens, the DC noted that legal enforcement alone is not enough to eradicate child labor. He urged people from all walks of life to step forward to ensure education, nutrition, and overall development for underprivileged children.
The event was attended by several special guests, including:
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Pathan Md. Saiduzzaman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT)
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M. Nazim Uddin, President of Sramik Dal
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Mohammad Ali Shahin, Head of Advocacy, YPSA
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Sirajul Islam, Coordinator, Ghasful
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Sourav Sakhawat, Executive Director, Kids Cultural Institute
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Liton Chowdhury, Executive Director, Shongshoptoke
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Yasmin Parvin, Executive Director, Jugantar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (JSUS)
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Johnny Rozario, Area Manager, World Vision Bangladesh (Chattogram)
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Zinat Ara Begum, Manager, Aparajeyo Bangladesh
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Md. Selim, Assistant Director, Prottyashi
Around 200 beneficiaries from various non-governmental organizations, including BRAC, Prottyashi, YPSA, Ghasful, Shongshoptoke, World Vision, JSUS, Caritas, and Kids Cultural Institute, actively participated in the rally and discussion.
Senior government officials, law enforcement representatives, teachers and students, development partners, representatives of labor and employer organizations, child rights activists, and media professionals were also present.
Speakers concluded that child labor is a complex social, economic, and humanitarian issue. To eradicate it completely, the government, NGOs, development partners, media, and the general public must work in unison. They reiterated that an advanced, humane, and child-labor-free Bangladesh can only be achieved by ensuring every child’s right to education, safety, and a dignified childhood.
