H. M. Nazmul Alam

World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, carries a profound significance. It is a day to celebrate childhood, honor the unique potential of every child, and reflect on the promises we have made to them. Rooted in the historic adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, this day should remind humanity of its responsibility to protect and nurture its youngest members. Yet, for many children in Bangladesh, these promises remain unfulfilled. Tragedies like the brutal murder of Muntaha Akhter Jarin and the abduction of baby Zaifa starkly illustrate how far we still have to go. These stories of innocence betrayed not only shake us to our core but also compel us to confront the harsh realities of neglect, violence, and systemic failure that define the lives of too many children.

Muntaha, a six-year-old girl from Sylhet, embodied the hope and promise of childhood. Her life, however, was brutally cut short in a heinous act of violence that left the nation in shock. The murderers were not strangers; they were trusted members of her community—people her family believed in. This betrayal is a painful reminder of how trust can sometimes mask danger. Muntaha’s story feels like a page torn from William Blake’s Songs of Experience:

"Is this a holy thing to see,
In a rich and fruitful land,
Babes reduced to misery,
Fed with cold and usurious hand?"

Blake’s lines, a critique of societal indifference, echo powerfully with Muntaha’s tragic fate. Her death is not just an isolated incident; it represents a collective failure of society to protect its children. It is a failure to recognize the sanctity of childhood and to prioritize the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable among us.

Another harrowing story unfolded in Azimpur. Eight-month-old Zaifa was abducted during a robbery at her family’s home. Her mother, bound and gagged, could do nothing as her baby was taken from her. Thankfully, Zaifa was rescued by the Rapid Action Battalion, but the trauma inflicted on her family is immeasurable. This incident emphasizes a frightening reality: even within the confines of their homes, children in Bangladesh are not always safe. The sanctity of a mother’s embrace, often seen as the safest place for a child, was violently disrupted, leaving behind scars that may never heal.

These two incidents, though distinct, share a common thread—they reflect the systemic issues that leave Bangladeshi children vulnerable. Despite the existence of laws such as the Penal Code of 1860, which criminalizes the neglect of children, enforcement remains weak. Families living in poverty often face impossible choices. Parents who struggle to meet basic needs are frequently forced to leave their children unsupervised, exposing them to risks that can lead to tragedy. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education amplify these vulnerabilities, creating a cycle of neglect and danger.

Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper captures the plight of children caught in such systemic failures:

"They clothed me in the clothes of death,
And taught me to sing the notes of woe."

For children like Muntaha and Zaifa, these "clothes of death" are not metaphors but grim realities. Their suffering is a direct result of a society that prioritizes economic survival over human dignity. The lack of adequate support systems and safety nets exacerbates the problem, leaving countless children exposed to dangers that should never exist.

Addressing these issues requires a fundamental shift in priorities. The government has a crucial role to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Laws designed to protect children must be actively enforced, not just exist on paper. Awareness campaigns targeting grassroots communities can help educate parents about their responsibilities and the risks of neglect. However, legal measures alone are not enough. The root causes of child vulnerability—poverty and economic insecurity—must be addressed. Families struggling to put food on the table cannot be expected to provide safe and nurturing environments for their children without meaningful support.

Communities also have a critical role in safeguarding children. Muntaha’s killers exploited the trust placed in them by her family. This tragic betrayal highlights the need for vigilance and accountability within neighborhoods. Communities must develop a culture of collective responsibility where everyone is invested in the well-being of children. Neighbors should not turn a blind eye to signs of danger or neglect but should work together to create safe spaces for children to thrive.

Parents, too, must navigate the delicate balance between trust and caution. While building relationships with neighbors and community members is essential, blind trust can be dangerous. Children’s lives must take precedence over societal norms of politeness or neighborly goodwill. Parents must remain vigilant, prioritizing their children’s safety above all else.

Blake’s Infant Sorrow poignantly captures the fragility of childhood in a harsh and dangerous world:

"My mother groaned! my father wept.
Into the dangerous world I leapt."

This "dangerous world" is not inevitable—it is one we have created through neglect and indifference. The tragedies of Muntaha and Zaifa are stark reminders that we must do better. Their stories should ignite a sense of urgency and determination to create a safer, more compassionate world for children.

Globally, countries that have prioritized children’s rights demonstrate that change is possible. Investments in education, healthcare, and social safety nets have significantly improved the lives of children in many nations. Bangladesh can draw inspiration from these examples, adapting them to its unique challenges. Strengthening law enforcement, providing economic support to families, and implementing child safety programs are critical steps toward ensuring that no child has to suffer the fate of Muntaha or Zaifa.

Technology can also play a role in enhancing child safety. Child-tracking systems and surveillance in crowded areas can help prevent abductions, while digital tools can support parents in monitoring their children’s activities and whereabouts. Mental health services, both for parents and children, are equally important. Addressing the psychological toll of living in unsafe environments can help families build resilience and create healthier, safer spaces for children.

World Children’s Day is a reminder of what is at stake—the future of our society. Children are not just passive recipients of care; they are individuals with dreams, potential, and rights. Their voices must be heard, and their needs must be prioritized. By including children’s perspectives in our policies and actions, we can work toward a world where every child is valued and protected.

Muntaha’s memory must not fade into obscurity. Her life, though short, was meaningful, and her untimely death must serve as a catalyst for change. On this World Children’s Day, let us pledge to honor her by transforming our society into one that cherishes and safeguards every child. Let us ensure that the words "For every child, every right" are not just a slogan but a lived reality.

The writer is a, Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.