“Sheikh Hasina Govt. allocated 2.9 billion dollars for children”-Dr Momen

Sharke Chaman Khan,New York: “Government of Sheikh Hasina has directly allocated around 2.9 billion dollars  or Taka 195 Billion for the betterment of children which is 1.4% of the total budget in 2011” said Bangladesh Ambassador and Parmanent Representative to the UN and outgoing President of the UNICEF Executive Board Dr A K Abdul Momen. He was addressing at a panel discussion entittled ‘Extreme Poverty and Violence Against Children’ which was jointly organised by the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) on Violence against Children, UNICEF and ATD Fourth World on 9th February at the UNHQ.
Dr Momen focussed on “National Iniatives to combat extreme poverty and violence against children: the example of Banglafdesh”. In his speech, Dr Momen stated how Bangladesh Government intervenes to combat extreme poverty, ultra poor and violence. In addition to government efforts and initiaves, large number of non-government organizations, civil society and community leadership are also working deligently to reduce poverty and violence against children in Bangladesh.  Although poverty level is still relatively high in Bangladesh but it has successfuly reduced abject poverty significantly through its myriad program of social safety net programs.  It is trying to expand its coverage of such programs and therefore, it needs global assistance.  He also mentioned about government’s nearly 36 laws plus Nari Shisu Nijathan Tribunals in each district to reduce violence against women and children. Answering questions, Dr. Momen narrated how he started his movement to end slave trade trafficking of young girls in late 1980s and how he succeeded virtually in ending abuse of minor boys as ‘camel jockeys’ in the Gulf countries in 1990s.  He stressed the importance of public awareness, enforcement of regulations and laws, regional cooperation, proactive support of lawmakers and vigilant media to end violence and abuse.

Qouting the UNDP Annual Report on HDI Index for 2010, he stated that among 95 countries whose comparative data is available, Bangladesh ranked 3rd in terms of reducing poverty level.  He explained Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ‘Vision 2021’ that provided a roadmap, a vision, energy and hope in this regard.

 Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais, Dircetor General of ATD Fourth World, Eugin Brand, DG, Associate Director of UNICEF Susan Bissell who worked in Bangladesh for many years, also spoke among others. The event attarcted large audience and also global media from many member countries. The room was over crowded and many delegates were frustrated as they could not get any space in the room.