Labor and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury spoke today as the chief guest at a discussion held at the Institution of Agriculturists auditorium. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 29, 2026 (BSS) - Labor and Employment Minister Ariful Haque 
Choudhury today said child labor must be eliminated through practical and 
sustainable initiatives and start from our own homes.

"Rather than remaining confined to seminars, the effort to eradicate child 
labor should begin at our own homes," he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a 
discussion held at the Institution of Agriculturists auditorium here.

The discussion was arranged marking the World Day against Child Labor 2026 
with the theme "Red Card to Child Labor: Fair play for children, decent work 
for adults".

Ariful Haque called upon the International Labor Organization (ILO) and all 
local and international organisations working in the sector to jointly 
identify the area's most vulnerable to child labor in the country and work 
together to eliminate the problem.

"It is our social responsibility to ensure that every child grows up in a 
healthy environment. Human resources are the country's greatest asset, and it 
is our moral responsibility to utilize this resource properly," he said.

He directed the ministry's secretary and the relevant officials to design and 
implement a sustainable and effective pilot programme within the next one 
year.

He also called on respective bodies and institutions to step in to create 
awareness in the process of child labor elimination. 

He also attached special importance to involving religious institutions in 
creating nationwide public awareness against child labor.

The discussion and cultural programmes were jointly arranged by the Ministry 
of Labor and Employment, the Child Labor Elimination Platform (CLEP) and the 
International Labor Organization (ILO).

A comprehensive overview of the child labour situation in Bangladesh was 
presented at the programmed, highlighting the country's achievements in the 
sector as well as the existing challenges. 

Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Employment Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder 
presided over the event while ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon was 
present as special guest.