DHAKA, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka North City Administrator Mohammad Azaz today said the government’s main goal is to build a child-friendly city by ensuring adequate number of playgrounds and clean and healthy environment for the children. He made the remarks while addressing at a roundtable discussion at the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) conference room here as the chief guest. The roundtable titled “Protection of the Rights of Underprivileged Children ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election 2026,” was jointly organized by non-governmental development organization LIDO and the DNCC. The DNCC Administrator said that excessive pollution and environmental mismanagement in cities have a profound negative impact on inhabitants, especially children. “Children are the most vulnerable and at-risk group in the society. Our aim is to build a city where every child can breathe freely in a healthy environment,” he added. Emphasizing the need to strengthen urban social safety nets, he further said, “Our city-based social protection system is extremely weak. National social protection programs are mainly rural-focused, which means the needs of urban homeless and underprivileged children are not being adequately reflected. This disparity must be addressed”. The keynote paper at the roundtable was presented by young journalist Mahfuza Sultana Munni. She called upon all the stakeholders to remain aware and accountable to stop the use of children in political processes. At the event, LIDO announced a 12-point election manifesto for political parties aimed at protecting the underprivileged children. Key demands of the manifesto are-establishing a separate ministry or directorate for street and underprivileged children, ensuring legal identity (birth registration) for all children and creating a central digital database, providing free education and healthcare along with emergency shelter; preventing drug addiction, establishing rehabilitation centers and offering vocational training and making a clear commitment not to use the children in any political programs. Speakers at the roundtable also urged political parties to give due importance to the protection of underprivileged children’s rights in their election manifestos for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Senior DNCC officials, child rights activists, representatives of non-governmental development organizations and journalists were present at the event.  

KHULNA, Jan 27 (BSS) – BNP-nominated candidate for the Khulna-2 constituency and former MP Nazrul Islam Manju today said large numbers of people are gathering in a festive mood wherever he is campaigning, expressing their desire for change. “People are eagerly waiting to cast their votes in the upcoming national election, as they were deprived of voting rights in the last three polls,” he said. He made the remarks while carrying out door-to-door campaigning and distributing leaflets in the Gallamari area on Sher-e-Bangla Road and at Banargati Bazar under Ward No. 25 of the city. Mentioning that the overall electoral environment is good, he expressed hope that the Election Commission and the administration would continue playing responsible roles to ensure a free, fair and acceptable election. BNP leaders, activists and local residents were present during the campaign.