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The government is working to make Bangladesh free of street children and beggars within the next four years, Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Wednesday.
He made the remarks while delivering the opening speech at a seminar titled “50 Years in Children’s Dreams: Experiences, Achievements and Bangladesh of Tomorrow”, organised to mark Children’s Rights Day 2026 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy.
The minister said various departments under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs are working for the care and development of children, while a separate department is also responsible for street children.
“We have a vision to make Bangladesh free of street children and beggars within four years. We are moving forward with a separate project to achieve this goal, and we seek everyone’s cooperation,” he said.
He stressed that achieving the target would require not only substantial investment but also a change in mindset.
On the rehabilitation and development of street children, Zahid Hossain said ensuring access to education alone was not enough.
“Children need opportunities for mental, social and cultural development as well. Disadvantaged children must also be brought under these opportunities,” he said.
The minister said the government wanted to bring both privileged and disadvantaged children under the same umbrella through Bangladesh Shishu Academy.
He said different departments of the ministry and the Shishu Academy were working jointly to ensure children’s overall development.
“We have to create an environment where no child feels left behind. Street children and children living with their families should receive equal attention in education, training and development,” he said.
Zahid Hossain also called for building a liveable Bangladesh for everyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity and whether they live in the hills or plains.
Emphasising child safety, he said creating a secure environment was essential for ensuring children’s future.
“Child abuse and violence are unacceptable under any circumstances. Having laws alone is not enough; people must also be made socially aware and involved,” he said.
The minister said ensuring a safe environment for children was not the responsibility of Bangladesh Shishu Academy or the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs alone, but a collective responsibility of people from all walks of life.
He called for joint efforts to build a Bangladesh where people of all ages, from children to senior citizens, can live safely and with dignity.
Among others, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women and Children Affairs Chairperson Selima Rahman, National University Vice-Chancellor ASM Amanullah, Dhaka University Sociology Professor Salma Akter and Bangladesh Shishu Academy Director General Arzu Ara Begum attended the seminar.