Speaker of the National Parliament. UNICEF South Asia Regional Director Sanjay Wijesekera has a courtesy call on Shireen Sharmin Chowdhury.
The meeting was held on Sunday (23 September) at the Speaker’s office in Sangsad Bhavan.
During the meeting, they discussed the impact of climate change on children, child nutrition, child education, prevention of child labor and child violence, enhancing children’s skills in the information technology sector.
At this time, the speaker said that since 1972, UNICEF has been working efficiently in Bangladesh for the overall welfare of children. UNICEF is working to ensure adequate nutrition of children from birth and to raise awareness about it.
The current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken groundbreaking steps for the development of children. Government is working to eradicate poverty besides ensuring children’s primary education through social security programs such as lactating allowance for mothers, mobile stipends for mothers of students and support programs. Government has taken appropriate steps to reduce child labour.
Appreciating the unprecedented progress of Bangladesh in various fields, Sanjay Wijesekera said that Bangladesh’s progress is visible in various fields including protection of child rights, development of maternal health, prevention of violence against women, empowerment of women. UNICEF is keen to work to keep the children of Bangladesh involved in the mainstream, including child protection, through coordination with the Bangladesh National Parliament. UNICEF can work in Bangladesh to reduce the rate of stunted children and eradicate poverty by ensuring child nutrition.
Director Sanjay Wijesekera sought the cooperation of the Speaker to take up the partnership project with the Bangladesh National Parliament, and the Speaker assured the cooperation.
Resident Representative of UNICEF Bangladesh Sheldon Yate was present at this time.
