RAJSHAHI, Oct 11, 2021 (BSS) - Speakers at a discussion here underlined
ensuring equal rights of boys and girls to take the country forward.

  They also put importance on holistic approach of all government, non-
government organizations and individuals to protect children rights.

  The children must be freed from all sorts of cruelties and inhuman
behaviours, violation, repression and deprivation for building them as worthy
citizens, they opined.

   The discussion was held at Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Degree College in
Rajshahi city on Sunday afternoon.

  Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) organized the
function marking the Child Rights Week-2021.

  The theme of the day this year is "Invest for Children, Build Prosperous
World (Shishur Jonno Biniyog Kori, Somriddho Bishwo Gori)".

  Rajshahi mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton addressed the meeting as the chief
guest, while Rajshahi divisional unit president of BNWLA Advocate Deel Sitara
Chuni was in the chair.

  Deputy commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Sazid Hossain and
principal of the college Prof Abdul Khaleque also spoke.

  Liton said children should be taught positive social values and encouraged
to learn good manners at an early age.

  He emphasized the need for ensuring children's safety and security and
stopping child marriage for the greater national interest.

  He added responsive and sensible social and political initiatives are
crucial for protecting rights of children particularly those in the slums and
underprivileged ones for transforming them into worthy citizens.

  The mayor said the present government under the dynamic and visionary
leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much positive towards
protecting child rights.

   He urged the field-level government and non-government organisations
concerned to supplement the government endeavour in this regard.