Save the Children asks Bangladesh govt to meet student protesters' demands

The Save the Children has expressed solidarity with the protesting students for safe roads in Bangladesh and urged the government to meet their demands.

The international NGO also called upon the Bangladesh government to ensure their safety as the protest continues for the fifth day despite closure of all schools through government orders.

Students, mostly from Dhaka schools and colleges, poured onto the streets since a speeding bus ran over and killed two of their fellows waiting for transport on Jul 29.

Protests have spread to other cities as well over the last two days.

The Save the Children in a statement condemned the accident and said such deaths cannot be accepted. It said the statement is issued for ensuring their safety.

Children are asking for “accountability” from the service providers and demanding justice.

“The government should take proper steps to meet their demand and bring discipline on the street. And for that, exemplary punishment should be given to those responsible for [the accident]”.

The Save the Children reminded the authorities that children have the rights to give their opinions and express their emotions, according to the UN child rights convention. Their opinions should be taken care of with importance.

“Shock and emotion have driven students out on the street. But this movement put them at risk. We call upon the government to ensure their safety.”

It also asked the government to ensure that “no child gets hurt or harmed” and in all government activities their “best interest” is considered.

It called upon the government to increase efficiency of all service providers including law-enforcers and take proper steps to develop their mentality to give children the respect and the honour they deserve.