Lost Childhood
At the age when children should be in school and playing, those living below the poverty line have to do back-breaking work. As a result, they are losing the best time of their lives. I would like to give credit to The Star magazine for talking about the miserable condition of our children in 'Lost Childhood' (May 3, 2008).
Though Bangladesh has signed the UNCRC to provide children with education, health care, security and so on, most children are still being deprived of these basic necessities. Moreover, they are compelled to do very hazardous work. What is worse is that they are paid a very meagre amount of money for their labour although the work is more difficult for them.
These underprivileged children do not have the very fundamental rights. They are being brought up in a very hostile environment. We need to nurture the talent of these children to give them back the freedom of childhood and make a supportive environment for them.
Ashim Kumar Paul
Department of English
Govt. Edward College, Pabna
Click the following link to see its first appearance: http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2008/08/04/letters.htm
