Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said ensuring a safe and risk-free childhood, ethical, modern and science-based education, universal healthcare, adequate nutrition, and a free environment for sports and cultural activities for every child in the country is a firm commitment of the current government.

In a message issued on Monday (October 5) on the occasion of Children’s Rights Day 2026 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy, the prime minister said the country’s independence proclamation leader, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, established Bangladesh Shishu Academy in 1976.

Bangladesh Shishu Academy completed 50 years in October 2026. To mark the occasion, its golden jubilee and Children’s Rights Day 2026 will be celebrated through various programmes from October 6 to 8.

He said the overall development of children is essential for building an organised and prosperous society. However, challenges such as child labour, social violence, child marriage and discrimination still persist. Collective efforts by families, society and the state are essential to eliminate these social problems.

Tarique Rahman said every child is like a flower and represents the dreams and possibilities of tomorrow. Within today’s young children lie tomorrow’s leaders, guardians, teachers, scientists and the driving forces of the country. Therefore, nurturing children with proper care, affection and education is a sacred responsibility of everyone.

The prime minister further said the innocent, smiling faces of children symbolise the hope and immense potential of a new Bangladesh. Creating an environment where their hidden talents and creativity can flourish is a moral, social and national responsibility.

Mentioning that Bangladesh Shishu Academy, established under state patronage for the welfare and development of children’s talents, introduced the ‘National Children’s Award’ competition in 1978, the prime minister said such initiatives are playing an important role in developing children’s intellectual abilities and creativity.

Tarique Rahman also said former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had taken various measures to ensure children’s safe upbringing and protect their interests. He said her role in Bangladesh’s participation in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) IPEC programme in 1994 to eliminate child labour and in ensuring institutional protection for children was unique.

The prime minister said today’s children will take Bangladesh to new heights on the global stage in various fields, including science, technology, sports, arts and literature.

He said alongside Children’s Rights Day, the glorious golden jubilee of Bangladesh Shishu Academy is also being celebrated. The academy, a major institution for nurturing children’s hidden talents, has spent five decades inspiring millions of children through music, painting and dreams of a colourful future.

The prime minister expressed hope that the golden jubilee of Bangladesh Shishu Academy would serve as a guide toward awakening new dreams and embarking on a new humanitarian journey. He said a safe, beautiful and self-reliant Bangladesh of tomorrow would be built through children’s innocent smiles, dreams and achievements.

He extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all children, parents, teachers, and individuals and organisations working for child welfare on the occasion of Children’s Rights Day.

The prime minister wished the overall success of all programmes organised to mark Children’s Rights Day and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy.

Source: BSS