International Rescue Committee (IRC) Bangladesh and the Department of Social Services (DSS) on Sunday signed a Strategic Partnership Memorandum (SPM) in Cox’s Bazar, aiming to strengthen child protection initiatives and expand collaborative support for vulnerable communities in the district.

Senior government officials, development partners and humanitarian actors working in the Rohingya and host community response were present at the signing ceremony held at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar, said a press release.

IRC Bangladesh Country Director Hasina Rahman said, “This three-year partnership is guided by principles, forged through collaboration: equality, complementarity, solidarity and result orientation. Together we will ensure that every child in Bangladesh is safe, protected and able to thrive. Together we will create spaces where children are free from violence and can grow with dignity and hope.”

Samuel Komakech, IRC Senior Integrated Protection Coordinator, presented an overview of the organization’s country programme, focusing on integrated protection services and community-based support mechanisms.

A key session led by Harun Ur Rashid, Child Protection Officer, DSS outlined a collaborative action plan for a child participation strategy, emphasising the need for meaningful engagement of children in decision-making processes.

Dr Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and chief guest at the ceremony, praised the partnership as a timely step toward enhancing service delivery and ensuring long-term protection for children in crisis contexts.

“Through this collaboration, we wish to ensure that each child has access to their constitutional rights and are protected and nurtured for a future that’s as bright as it is secured,” he added.

Md Saidur Rahman Khan, director general of DSS; Samir Mallik, director of DSS; Muhammad Minhazur Rahman, Chattogram divisional director of DSS and Md Golam Mostafa, director of ISO project under DSS; alongside representatives from IRC Bangladesh and partner organisation attended the event.

The day concluded with closing remarks by Rebecca Oketcho, Deputy Director of Programme, IRC, who reaffirmed IRC’s dedication to supporting national systems and strengthening community resilience.