The United Nations has expressed its concern over the safety of the children, who are protesting on the streets in the country for safer roads. In a statement, the Dhaka office of the global body yesterday said that students have the right to speak on the road safety issues without any fear of violence. “UN agencies are increasingly concerned for the safety of children and young people caught up in recent protests over road safety in Dhaka and other parts of the country,” said the statement posted on the website of UN Bangladesh.
“Students and young people have a legitimate right to speak out on issues of concern to them including road safety issues and to have their opinion heard without the threat of violence,” it said. “The UN has long campaigned for better road safety across the world
and traffic accidents in
Bangladesh are one of the major killers of young people (according to a World Health Organization report there are more than 20,000 road fatalities every year in Bangladesh),” it added.
The statement further said, “It is a matter of deep concern that a number of young people taking part in demonstrations in the capital have been injured over the last few days. Many schools have been closed as a result of the protests, depriving children of learning opportunities.”
“We are deeply concerned about the reports of violence and call on all for calm. The concerns expressed by youth about road safety are legitimate and a solution is needed for a mega city like Dhaka. A functioning public transport system should ensure the safety of all, including
children, young girls and women,” said United Nations resident coordinator Mia Seppo. The UN urgently called upon all parties to keep everyone – including children and young people – safe on the roads and safe from any kind of violence.
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Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.
Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.