Three Bangladeshi civil society organizations—Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO), Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC), and Dhaka Centre for Dialogue (DCD)—have jointly called on political parties to include four child protection commitments in their 2026 election manifestos. The demand was made during a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka on International Human Rights Day.

The groups urged parties to ban children’s participation in political rallies, ensure safety for street and vulnerable children during elections, include explicit commitments to child rights in manifestos, and sign public declarations against the political use of minors. Speakers, including academics and political representatives, warned that children face heightened risks during election periods despite not being voters. They criticized ongoing child labor and exploitation, calling for stronger state action on education, healthcare, and shelter for street children.

Participants emphasized that meaningful elections require safeguarding the next generation. They also urged future governments to institutionalize child protection policies and criticized global silence over children affected by conflict worldwide.