Caritas Bangladesh has called for mandatory birth registration immediately after childbirth at hospitals and community clinics, along with the introduction of a conditional child allowance for street children and those from ultra-poor families. The organization made these demands during a media consultation held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, where officials and representatives of street children were present. Caritas Development Institute Director Theophil Nokrek read a written statement outlining eight specific demands to strengthen child protection and social inclusion.

According to data cited at the event, only nine percent of children in 2024 were registered within 45 days of birth, despite legal requirements. Caritas emphasized that children without birth certificates face barriers to education, healthcare, and social benefits. The group also highlighted that 58.2 percent of street children lack birth certificates, and most do not know their parents’ national ID numbers, making registration nearly impossible under current rules.

Caritas urged the government to expand social safety nets, simplify registration for parentless children, and ensure coordinated action among state and non-governmental actors to secure the rights and future of disadvantaged children.