A meeting was recently organised by National Action and Coordinating Group (NACG) against Violence against Women and Children and Save the Children. The main talking points were about child labour, physical and humiliating punishments (PHP) and child education, among others. However, this year, Save the Children is focusing on the legal protection on PHP, and presented the draft amendment bill prepared by BLAST and the PHP coalition.

Lawmaker Waseqa Ayesha Khan mentioned that 40 percent of the population in Bangladesh are children, so any issue of children is a national issue. She said as a member of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR), she completely agrees with the amendment proposal for Children Act 2013 made at the consultation meeting. She further said the PCCR will provide their assistance in the amendment process.

On behalf of BLAST, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Md Tajul Islam argued the need for such amendment in the Children Act within the shortest possible time.
All members of the PCCR present in the meeting agreed to have legal protection on PHP, and assured to help in coordinating and communicating with relevant government authorities to move the draft bill.

Chief guest Fazle Rabbi Miah, deputy speaker of the parliament, said besides legal protection, awareness-raising among parents is important for the protection of children. He especially emphasized raising awareness of fathers, saying it is an area we need to work intensively.
Samsul Haque Tuku MP, chairman of PCCR, in his speech as special guest also said he agrees with the amendment proposal in Children Act, and PCCR will provide their full assistance in this regard.

The meeting was chaired by Abdulla Al Mamun, program director, Save the Children. Mark Pierce, country director, Save the Children, and about 10 lawmakers who are PCCR members were present at the meeting, along with NGO and child representatives.