An opposition MP says he will place issues involving child rights before Parliament more whenever he gets scope. Speaking at a virtual Question & Answer session --Listen to Our Words-- Jatiya Party MP Ahsan Adelur Rahman made the commitment on Friday night. Ahsan Adelur joined the session as the chief guest while Julhas Alam, Dhaka Bureau Chief of the New York-based global news agency Associated Press (AP), attended the session as the special guest. The ‘Child Message’—a platform to deal with child rights issues—organised the event where the students of Narayanganj District Girls School took part. Also Read: Strengthen efforts to ensure protection, reparations for sale, sexual exploitation of children: UN expert Both Ahsan Adelur and Julhas Alam agreed that children’s voices should be heard more through various platforms to ensure a better Bangladesh by making them good citizens of the country.   One of the children asked the lawmaker why Bangladeshis will have to bear an additional amount of money to perform Hajj this year. The MP narrated the scenario and said he will surely table the issue before the House. Another student asked what should be done about the risky buildings in the capital city. In reply Ahsan Adelur said that the issue is a serious concern for the country. Also Read: Multiple crises set to plunge more children into poverty, ILO and UNICEF report warns He said it is a very difficult task to reconstruct the city by demolishing so many risky buildings, but authorities must take the issue very seriously. He admitted that there is lack of monitoring while corruption in allowing unauthorised buildings has been a major concern. Ahsan Adelur, an MP from Nilphamari-4 constituency, promised to raise the issue before the House and talk to the Prime Minister. Asked how much the Bangladeshi political parties are concerned about child rights, AP Bureau Chief Julhas Alam said the situation is changing gradually and the political leaders are increasingly being consulted by various child rights groups, UNICEF or international NGOs like Save the Children and others. “This is a good sign. But we all need to do more to ensure that the children’s voices are heard more. Media outlets have also an important role to play,” he said adding that many things related to coverage and portrayal of child rights issues in media have improved significantly. He appreciated Ahsan Adelur MP that he spared his time to listen to the children and their voices. Julhas also said that there are still many issues to fight against child abuse, ensure their safety and their rights to get better education and health facilities. The Child Message’s Executive Director Arif Rahman Shibly said they will continue to work to execute the ‘United Nations Convention on Child Rights (Section 13)’. According to a press release by the Child Message, a total of 33 MPs have so far faced children and listened to their words about their rights. Narayanganj School Principal Masuda Akhtar also took part in the discussion.    

Fighting impunity and providing reparations must be at the heart of the international response to suffering and harm inflicted on child victims and survivors of sale and sexual exploitation, a UN expert said Wednesday. In a report to the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and exploitation of children Mama Fatima Singhateh said despite progress in providing reparations to child victims and survivors in a handful of states, these efforts need to be universal and strengthened following international legal standards. "My report is not just a reflection on existing systems of reparations for children around the world," Singhateh said. "It is intended to signal to the international community, in large areas where current provisions in national, regional, and international frameworks can better respond to the needs of child victims and survivors." The expert lamented major challenges in effectively combating these abhorrent crimes – all of which urgently need to be addressed through accountability, she said. To date, no reparations scheme has provided a complete and comprehensive programme that addresses all categories of child exploitation, violence, and abuse, exposing children to the risk of secondary victimisation. "Where reparations are attempted, they are rarely effective in reaching the most marginalised groups of children. These children are most often outside or on the margins of the formal state machinery in terms of recognition of their identity and are therefore at risk of being excluded from legal protection," Singhateh said. A crucial first step, the UN expert said, would be for states to introduce and strengthen specific legislation on reparations for child victims and survivors in the national context. Singhateh's report analysed the role of non-state actors, including non-state armed groups, corporations, the World Bank-funded development projects and multilateral development banks, and found that they have historically fallen short of their responsibilities in addressing and facilitating redress for child victims and survivors of sale and sexual exploitation. "The reparations process should be empowering, transformative, sustainable, victim-centred and survivor-centred," she said. "Reparations for child victims and survivors of sale and sexual exploitation require a strong and sustained national, regional and international commitment," Singhateh added. The special rapporteur said it should include survivor-centred reparations; a co-design model with meaningful participation of children; development and implementation of transitional measures; strengthening inter-agency cooperation; a child-friendly, multidisciplinary and inter-agency model; age-, gender- and local context-sensitive reparations; immediate delivery of reparations; mobile courts and child-focused mechanisms in vulnerable areas; and the use of information and communication technology to support reparations through targeted detection and mandatory reporting.

The number of children without access to social protection is increasing year-on-year, leaving them at risk of poverty, hunger and discrimination, according to a new report released today by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF. According to the report, an additional 50 million children (aged 0-15) missed out on a critical social protection provision – specifically, child benefits (paid in cash or tax credits) – between 2016 and 2020, driving up the total to 1.46 billion children under 15 globally. “Ultimately, strengthened efforts to ensure adequate investment in universal social protection for children, ideally through universal child benefits to support families at all times, is the ethical and rational choice, and the one that paves the way to sustainable development and social justice,” Shahra Razavi, director of Social Protection Department at the ILO, said. Child and family benefit coverage rates fell or stagnated in every region in the world between 2016 and 2020, leaving no country on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of achieving substantial social protection coverage by 2030, as per the report. In Latin America and the Caribbean, for example, coverage fell significantly from approximately 51 percent to 42 percent. In many other regions, coverage has stalled and remains low. In Central and South Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Asia, and North Africa coverage rates have been at around 21 percent, 14 percent, 11 percent and 28 percent respectively since 2016. Failure to provide children with adequate social protection leaves them vulnerable to poverty, disease, missed education, and poor nutrition, and increases risk of child marriage and child labour. Globally, children are twice as likely as adults to live in extreme poverty – those struggling to survive on less than US$ 1.90 (PPP*) a day – approximately 356 million children. A billion children also live in multidimensional poverty – meaning without access to education, health, housing, nutrition, sanitation, or water. Children living in multidimensional poverty increased by 15 percent during the Covid-19 pandemic, reversing previous progress in reducing child poverty and highlighting the urgent need for social protection. Moreover, the pandemic highlighted that social protection is a critical response in times of crisis. Nearly every government in the world either rapidly adapted existing schemes or introduced new social protection programmes to support children and families, but most fell short of making permanent reforms to protect against future shocks, according to the report. “As families face increasing economic hardship, food insecurity, conflict, and climate-related disasters, universal child benefits can be a lifeline,” said Natalia Winder-Rossi, UNICEF Director of Social Policy and Social Protection. “There is an urgent need to strengthen, expand and invest in child-friendly and shock-responsive social protection systems. This is essential to protect children from living in poverty and increase resilience particularly among the poorest households.” The report emphasizes that all countries, irrespective of their level of development, have a choice: whether to pursue a “high-road” strategy of investment in reinforcing social protection systems, or a “low-road” strategy that misses out on necessary investments and will leave millions of children behind. To reverse the negative trend, ILO and UNICEF urge policymakers to take decisive steps to attain universal social protection for all children, including: ·         Investing in child benefits which offer a proven and cost-effective way to combat child poverty and ensure children thrive. ·         Providing a comprehensive range of child benefits through national social protection systems that also connect families to crucial health and social services, such as free or affordable high-quality childcare. ·         Building social protection systems that are rights-based, gender-responsive, inclusive, and shock responsive to address inequities and deliver better results for girls and women, migrant children, and children in child labour for example. ·         Securing sustainable financing for social protection systems by mobilizing domestic resources and increasing budget allocation for children. Strengthening social protection for parents and caregivers by guaranteeing access to decent work and adequate benefits, including unemployment, sickness, maternity, disability, and pensions.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday stressed the need for promoting sports and games among the youth to groom up their mind and talents. “The minds and talents of our children will flourish as much as we can spread sports and games among them. Their physical health will be developed further and their mind will be liberal,” she said. The premier said this while opening the final round of the Sheikh Kamal 2nd Bangladesh Youth Game 2023 in the city. The curtain of the week-long final round was lifted at Bangladesh Army Stadium in Banani after the successful conclusion of the inter-upazila and inter-district phases, held from January 02 to 22, 2023.  Hasina said the sports and games create a competitive attitude among the youth which will finally help them gain further enrichment and competence in sports, games and every case of their lives. She said this is why her government paid special attention to sports and games immediately after coming to power. The PM said the AL government introduced inter-school, inter-college, inter-university competitions. “So, sports and games in our country are getting enriched enough. We're able to take part in different international sports competitions,” she added. She said her government wants to increase the participation of Bangladeshis athletes in various international competitions in a larger way by creating skilled players alongside developing the socio-economic condition of Bangladesh. Read more: Doing our best to keep economy going amid global recession: PM Hasina “Today our goal is to build a smart Bangladesh,” she said, expressing hope that the Smart Bangladesh would create smart players so that Bangladesh can achieve the qualification to attend any global competition. Recalling the contribution of her family members particularly Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Hasina described Kamal as a versatile person. Kamal was simultaneously involved in cricket, football, hockey and other different sports. She said he (Sheikh Kamal) founded Abahani Krira Chakra and he took initiative to engage the young generation in sports and games in a larger way.     “His talents are imprinted in every field. He introduced the modern football game here, founding Abahani Krira Chakra,” she said. Hasina said this youth game will add a new dimension as a platform to find out future sports stars. Some 4000 (Under-17) promising athletes are taking part in the final round of the mega sports event for the 193 gold, 193 silver and 287 bronze. Meanwhile, both the men's and women's football competitions of the Sheikh Kamal 2nd Bangladesh Youth Games 2023 held on the opening day of the meet at two city separate venues in the capital. State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel and President of Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed spoke at the opening ceremony while BOA General Secretary Syed Shahed Reza delivered the welcome speech. BOA organised the Youth Games for the first time in 2018. The main motto of the Games was to select future players for national teams in various disciplines and to groom the talents of young athletes.

When a child is coughing constantly, it is a thing of concern for the parents. Usually, a child's cough is nothing to worry about as it can be caused by a common cold that happens by changes in seasons and weather. However, try to avoid a cough suppressant for your kids without consulting a doctor, as it is not safe for them. Instead, you can try some safe, natural home remedies for cough for children. These tips can help a sick child feel relaxed. 11 Ways to Treat Your Kid’s Cough Naturally Honey According to research honey is better than medicine for relieving coughs. Honey also helps a sick kid sleep better. However, honey is safe and better for children aged 1 and older. Kids also love to take honey as it tastes good. Dark honey like buckwheat works best because it's higher in antioxidants.  But if it becomes difficult to find buckwheat honey, you can take any natural honey. Natural honey is also great for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can go a long way in soothing a sore throat.  Remember, you need to give ½  teaspoon to children who are ages 1 to 5 years and 1 teaspoon to kids ages 6 to 11. If your child won't love to take honey directly, you can add it to warm water, herbal tea, or warm milk. But make sure you avoid this remedy for kids under 1. Read More: Motivating Kids to Study, Do Homework, Get Good Grades: Know Secret Ways Chicken Noodle Soup It is an old folk remedy: Studies have shown that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory elements and its warm temperature can soothe sore throats. Besides,  it acts as a vaporizer and helps to release mucus in the nasal passages which ultimately can relieve a stuffy nose. You will get the magic in the soup that comes from the perfect balance of electrolytes, which help keep your kids hydrated. Moreover, the protein and carbohydrates available in chicken soup are a perfect meal for anyone who feels icky. Your lovely kids can feel like a warm hug with a bowl of chicken soup.  Stay Hydrated Make sure the kid drinks enough water to help prevent dehydration. Warm liquids is an excellent cough remedy for toddler because they thin out mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Besides, liquids pacify a raw throat and keep your little one hydrated and happy. Read More: Teaching Young Kids Household Chores: 10 Easy Steps Researchers at the Common Cold Center at Cardiff University have shown that hot drinks are the most effective at soothing cold and flu symptoms. Hot drinks may relieve symptoms including runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. On the contrary, a warm or room temperature drink had fewer benefits they can relieve a runny nose, coughing, and a sore throat temporarily. However, cold drinks are also helpful because they can numb a sore throat while helping to hydrate at the same time. But avoid drinking ice-cold juice as they are highly acidic the acidity increase discomfort in the throat.  Cool-mist humidifier You can keep a cool-mist humidifier in your kid’s room to help unfasten chest and nasal congestion. It is a great remedy for nighttime coughing. USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a cool air humidifier is used unitedly with other treatments like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and consuming honey. Read More: Dyslexia: How to help kids with this learning disability When other properties won't cure the cause, a humidifier will surely help your little one feel a little better, especially at night when coughing may be worse. Salt water gargle One of the most natural and simplest kid’s cough remedies is salt water gargle. Just mix a half teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water, then give your child to gargle the solution. It eases the throat irritation that often comes with coughing. But this should only be given to older kids.  Salt water helps the tissue in the upper respiratory tract tend to become inflamed from excess mucus and fluids, causing coughing and soreness. 

A 28-year-old man was killed by some muggers in front of his wife and children in Savar early Friday, police said. Dipak Chandra Saha, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said the deceased Sohel Mia along with his wife and two children, arrived at Savar from his village home in Rangpur by bus in the early hours of Friday. Quoting Sohel's family members, the OC said "As soon as they got off the bus at Savar bus stand, some unidentified muggers targeted them and tried to snatch money and cellphones."When Sohel resisted, the muggers stabbed him indiscriminately, leaving him dead on the spot, added the OC. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College for an autopsy. A drug addict has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident. However, his identity was not revealed. The deceased, a mason by occupation, used to live with his family in the Majidpur area of Savar. "Efforts are on to nab the muggers involved in the murder," said the officer.

A staggering 78 million girls and boys around the world today “don’t go to school at all” because of conflict, climate disasters and displacement – while tens of millions more receive only sporadic teaching – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Thursday. Calling for more funding for education in emergencies spearheaded by the UN global fund Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the UN chief in a video message said no one should be denied their chance to learn. A full 222 million children today experience blighted education, Guterres said. “To help them, 18 countries and private partners have pledged $826 million for UN global fund ECW, on the opening day of the landmark conference.” “No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter what barriers stand in your way, you have a right to a quality education,” he said, in an appeal for greater international efforts to ensure that more vulnerable children and youngsters get their chance to succeed. Read more: Govt to launch countrywide school feeding programme from June: State Minister Delivering his comments at the Education Cannot Wait High-Level Financing Conference in Geneva, the Secretary-General welcomed the fact that since it was founded in 2017, the fund had trained 87,000 teachers and given seven million children in crisis “the education they deserve”. As pledges from 18 countries and the private sector topped $826 million on the first day of the conference, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and Chair of ECW High-Level Steering Group Gordon Brown said: “We are talking about the most isolated, the most desolate, the most neglected children of the world. We’re talking about girls who find themselves trafficked or forced into child labour or child marriage unless we can help them.”

Three people, including two children, drowned in separate incidents in Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram district on Tuesday.The deceased were identified as Md. Sohel (44), son of Rafikul Islam and resident of Muradpur union of the upazila, Ishan Das, 3, son of Mithun Das and resident of South Edulpur, and Abraham, 1.5 years, son of Jahed Hossain and resident of Sayedpur union.Dr. Nur Uddin Rashed, Health and Family Planning officer of Sitakund Upazila, said that from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, three people, including two children, who drowned in water bodies in different areas of the upazila, were brought to the health complex.

Pizza which has a long history was first introduced in 997 AD in Gaeta in Italy. Then this food was found in different parts of Central and Southern Italy. Mainly the Italians and emigrants in these regions used to eat Pizza. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used to eat flatbreads with toppings just like pizza. The modern pizza was found in Naples, Italy, in the 18th or early 19th century. Pizza is a very healthy, tasty, and nutritious recipe that you can prepare at home. Let’s find out 5 hearty pizza recipes for kids.  5 Healthy Pizza Recipes for Children  Pizza with Tomato Sauce Recipe Ingredients 300g flour (white bread), ½ cup flour for dusting, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tbsp olive oil For the tomato sauce One tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves ( Chopped), 200ml (passata). Read More: 5 Yummy Healthy Green Pea Recipes for Kids For the topping 8 mozzarella pearls, halved a small bunch of fresh basil.

More than half of children with disabilities in Bangladesh are not enrolled in any formal education, according to new national-level data revealed on Tuesday. The findings come from the recently-published National Survey on Persons with Disabilities (NSPD) 2021, conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) with technical support from UNICEF. The survey reveals that among children with disabilities (aged 5-17 years), only 65 per cent are enrolled in primary school and only 35 per cent are enrolled in secondary school. In total, 60 percent of children with disabilities aged 5-17 years are not in education.\ Read more: Learning Disabilities in Children: Types, symptoms, ways to help The survey also found that children with disabilities who do attend formal education lag behind academically by over two years for their age on average. “The data from this national survey – the first of its kind by the BBS – highlights the challenges children with disabilities face growing up. The findings will support the Government to formulate policies and initiatives to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh,” said Iftekhairul Karim, Project Director, BBS. According to the survey, 1.7 percent of children in Bangladesh live with one of the twelve types of disability defined in the Persons with Disability Rights and Protection Act 2013, while 3.6 per cent of children face functional difficulty in at least one of the domains of seeing, hearing, walking, fine motor skills, communication, learning, playing or controlling behaviour. “The new data highlights just how many children with disabilities in Bangladesh are losing out on education. We need to do more for these children. We need to provide the support and services they need, and we need to create an inclusive environment where they can thrive,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh. Data from the survey also shed light on the difficulties that children with disabilities face as adults. Read more: Youth with disabilities deprived of learning, employment scopes: Study Only one third of persons with disabilities of working age are employed, with women with disabilities far more likely to be unemployed compared to men. And while 90 percent of persons with disabilities who are registered with the Government receive disability allowances, the vast majority of them – about 65 per cent – remain unregistered. Early identification and management of childhood disabilities are critical to maximizing the potential of children. It is also critical to create an inclusive environment where families and service-providers can support children with disabilities to participate actively in all spheres of life. UNICEF works with the government and partners in Bangladesh to champion the rights of children with disabilities to education, healthcare and future employment, and to remove social stigma and prejudice.