North South University Center for Legal Research, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, organised a seminar titled “Seminar on the Children Act, 2013” on 15 October 2026 at North South University. The seminar brought together academics, child protection specialists, legal professionals, and students to discuss children’s rights, international legal standards, and the implementation of child protection legislation in Bangladesh, a press release said.
The program commenced with opening remarks from Professor Ishtiaque Ahmed, Chair, Department of Law, NSU, and Professor Md. Rizwanul Islam, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Professor Ishtiaque Ahmed highlighted the vulnerability of children to crimes and other forms of wrongdoing, and observed that adverse socioeconomic circumstances in low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh can further expose children to exploitation, abuse, and victimisation, underscoring the need for effective legal safeguards and institutional mechanisms to protect their rights.
Professor Md. Rizwanul Islam discussed the significance of the Children Act, 2013, in implementing the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) within Bangladesh’s legal framework. He explained the relationship between international legal obligations and domestic legislation, highlighting the concepts of monism and dualism in international law. He emphasised the importance of domestic legislation in translating international commitments into practical legal protections for children.
The Guest of Honour, Shabnaaz Zahereen, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Bangladesh, emphasised the gap between the existence of child protection legislation and its effective implementation. Although the Children Act, 2013, has been in force for more than a decade, public awareness of its provisions and their practical impact remains limited. She highlighted the need for a multidimensional approach involving legal institutions, educational institutions, families, and communities.
Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor, NSU, addressed the broader challenges affecting children’s development in Bangladesh, highlighting inadequate investment in education and the multiple forms of deprivation children continue to experience. He emphasised that childhood should be recognised as an important stage of life in its own right and that children must receive the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to develop their potential, grow into responsible citizens, and become good human beings.
The program continued with an ice-breaking and pre-assessment exercise facilitated by Saidul Islam, Program Officer–J4C, SARC Project, LJD. This was followed by a session titled “Rights of the Child and International Standards (Questions and Reflections),” conducted by Prof. Md. Rizwanul Islam, which examined children’s rights in relation to international standards. Participants also attended an audiovisual presentation on the UNCRC. Subsequently, Saidul Islam facilitated a group-work session titled “Applying the Children Act 2013,” encouraging participants to consider the practical application of the legislation.
S. M. Arshadul Alam, Additional Secretary and Project Director, SARC Project, Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, conducted a session titled “The Children Act, 2013: Provisions and Implementation (Questions and Reflections).” The session explored the Act’s provisions and implementation, highlighting the importance of translating legislative commitments into effective child protection measures, especially for children in conflict with the law.
The seminar concluded with a certificate-awarding ceremony to the participants and volunteers. Through the seminar, North South University reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legal awareness, advancing children’s rights, and facilitating dialogue on child protection and justice. The program underscored the importance of collaboration among academic institutions, legal professionals, and child protection organisations in strengthening the implementation of the Children Act, 2013, and safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of children in Bangladesh.
