Bangladesh Catholic School organizes seminar on safeguarding and child protection

The Rajshahi diocesan Justice and Peace Commission in Bangladesh organized a special seminar focused on the safeguarding and protection of women and children at Muktidata High School on March 10.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the escalating issues of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect that many women and children face in Bangladesh.

The seminar, entitled Child Protection: Our Shared Responsibility, sought to equip the students with the knowledge and tools to identify and respond to instances of abuse within their communities, families, and society.

Father Fabian Marandi, the Vicar General of the Rajshahi Diocese, served as the chief guest for the seminar. Alongside him was Holy Cross Brother Ronjan Purification, the headmaster of Muktidata High School.

During his opening speech, Brother Purification emphasized the urgency of addressing child protection concerns in Bangladesh, stating, "The rate of violence against women and children remains unchanged. It is becoming more dire. We cannot afford to ignore these issues any longer."

"Children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. We must work together to protect them from harm," said Purification.

Father Marandi echoed these sentiments, expressing deep concern over the increasing incidents of violence, particularly rape and torture, against women and children.

He said, "It is heartbreaking to see the rise in abuse cases, and yet, no immediate actions are being taken to address these issues. The situation must change for the better."

He further added, "Child abuse devastates families. Many victims do not seek help, fearing that their abusers will retaliate. This is why all of us must work toward creating a safe environment for children." 

One of the seminar participants, Monica Hasdak, reflected on the experience, saying, "I’m grateful to have learned more about child protection. The seminar has given me a more profound understanding of the issue, and I appreciate our school for hosting such an important event."

The keynote address was delivered by Manju Biswas, a child protection expert, who highlighted that violence against children goes beyond physical abuse.

She explained, "Violence is not just physical. Neglecting a child’s mental, spiritual, and physical needs also constitutes abuse. We must all be mindful of the impact of neglect."

Biswas also compared children to fragile flowers, stating, "When we harm children, it’s like tearing the petals off a flower. Each act of abuse chips away at their spirit. We must understand what constitutes positive and negative touch and how to protect children from harm."

The seminar concluded with a call for collective action in safeguarding children and ensuring their rights to safety, love, and care.

The event was a reminder to everyone present that the protection of children is a shared duty, and efforts to combat violence and abuse should be a priority for all communities.