Published: 12:10 AM, 29 October 2026
Adolescent clubs play vital role in preventing child marriage: Zahid
Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has said union-level adolescent clubs are playing an important role in raising awareness to prevent child marriage and protecting the rights of women and children.
He made the remarks during a meeting with UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Gillian Mellsop at his office at secretariat on Wednesday, BSS reports.
The meeting discussed women's empowerment, protection of women's rights, prevention of violence against women and children, elimination of child labour, prevention of child marriage, sustainable development of women and children, introduction of mid-day meals in schools, activities of adolescent clubs, psychosocial support, the Family Card programme and various laws concerning women and children.
The minister described UNICEF as a reliable and friendly development partner of Bangladesh.
He expressed gratitude for the organisation's development assistance and support at various times since the country's independence.
DrZahid said the present government is committed to building an inclusive and discrimination-free society. The government is working to implement, with the highest priority, the commitments made in its election manifesto to ensure the welfare, nutrition, education and security of women and children, he added.
Dr Zahid said the government's support programmes would be further strengthened in the future to establish people's fundamental rights and ensure their overall well-being.
He also expressed hope for ensuring a safe, liveable and bright future for every child.
The UNICEF Bangladesh representative praised the government's various initiatives and social welfare programmes at the union level to empower women, achieve gender equality and prevent child marriage.
