Tawhid Hossain Sarkar,Comilla:
The number of child laborers is increasing day by day in all corners of Comilla metropolis. Children between the ages of 6 and 10 are involved in brick kilns, tailoring, shops, and even dangerous welding machines or factory work. However, with these jobs, children are facing serious mental, physical and social risks.
When we spoke to 7/8-year-old Md. Anik, he said that his friends are in second grade. However, he now works in a workshop every day from morning to evening. Md. Hossain, also of the same age, also said that even though his friends are second grade students, he spends his days working in the shop.
Investigations in various shops and factories revealed that children are being made to work for low wages and for long hours. Despite the presence of child labor in a shop called Omar Electronics, the owner Md. Belal Hossain tried to hide the information when he saw a journalist. When contacted, the local social welfare office was informed that they do not have any specific information or statistics regarding child labor.
Parents or employers try to avoid the issue of child labor by resorting to various excuses and deceptions. Some say, “Let them learn to work instead of spending idle time sitting at home,” while others say, “It helps to meet financial needs.” But it seems that no one has any idea that the matter is punishable by law and is leading children to the path of destruction.
Various government departments and private organizations need to work together to eliminate child labor. In addition to raising awareness, strict law enforcement and regular supervision are needed.
When a child is given a welding machine or a spade to pick up raw bricks instead of a book, not only the future of a child but also the potential of the entire nation is blocked.
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