DHAKA: Save the Children on Sunday expressed its concern over the recent brutal killing of child Samiul Alam Rajon.

Save the Children country director Michael McGrath met home minister Asaduzzaman Khan in the latter’s office on Sunday and expressed his concern over current child rights situation in the country, said a press release.

McGrath thanked the minister for visiting Rajon’s parents last week. He also thanked the government and the home ministry for taking steps to probe Rajon’s death and the alleged reluctance of local police authorities to promptly and efficiently bring the perpetrators of this vile crime to justice.

According to Save the Children country director, the extreme violence that Rajon experienced was the result of the failure of the community, local authorities and police to react strongly to the everyday incidents of violence experienced by children throughout Bangladesh.

He proposed that the government clearly indicate that there is zero tolerance for any violence against children. He recommended that a specialized women and children police officer be stationed in every police station, as is done in countries such as Indonesia.

McGrath offered technical assistance to law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh to sensitize law enforcers in child protection issues.

Save the Children has extensive experience in training law enforcers on child rights in many countries of the world, including extensive work with the Shanghai police force in China, the release added.

However, the minister acknowledged that such training is indeed required and assured that he would consider Save the Children’s proposal of technical assistance.

The country director handed over a memorandum to the minister proposing some specific actions which government could take to prevent violence against children, it added.

BDST: 2127 HRS, JULY 26, 2015
RR/SMS