Keraniganj Observes World Day Against Child Labour 2026
The meeting reviewed the current child labour situation in Keraniganj’s garment sector, highlighting key challenges and exploring coordinated actions for prevention and elimination. Mr. Sarwar Alam, Senior Programme Officer of Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF), presented BLF’s initiatives, progress, and challenges in implementing the child labour elimination action plan.
Participants emphasized that economic hardship, limited access to education, and lack of support systems are major factors contributing to child labour. The discussion highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, employers, and workers’ organizations.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Chairperson of the Child Labour Elimination Monitoring Committee, Mr. Md. Omar Faruk, called for greater involvement of owners’ associations and collective responsibility to address the issue. Stakeholders also stressed the importance of awareness, family support programmes, and skills development opportunities to create alternatives for working children.
Key Decisions
- A factory visit will be conducted in the first week of July by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer in coordination with the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF), Fire Service, owners’ associations, and relevant government departments.
- Separate meetings will be arranged with garment factory owners’ associations to strengthen their role in eliminating child labour. Necessary administrative measures will be considered if responsible representatives fail to participate.
- A coordination meeting will be organized involving BLF, DIFE, Fire Service, Electricity Department, Gas Department, and other relevant agencies to address child labour elimination, occupational health and safety, environmental improvement, and factory licensing issues.
- Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) will prepare a detailed report categorizing working children based on their social and economic conditions to support targeted interventions:
- Children without guardians or adequate parental support;
- Children from extremely vulnerable families engaged in labour due to livelihood needs;
- Children from comparatively stable families engaged in labour for additional income opportunities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, improve monitoring mechanisms, and work collectively toward creating a child labour-free and safer working environment in Keraniganj’s garment sector.
