Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the interim government, formed through a mass uprising of students-labourers-people, is firmly committed to identifying and solving the issues like negligence to children, child labour, malnutrition and child marriage that hinder the proper development of children. "If the children grow up with the spirit of love, compassion and free thinking, they will be able to play a positive role in building the future Bangladesh," he said, adding that today's children will become tomorrow's artists, writers, philosophers, economists, scientists, doctors and engineers. Prof Yunus made the remarks in a message marking the World Children's Day-2024 that is being observed on October 7. In 2024, World Children's Day calls on adults to listen to the future. "By listening to children, we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today," said UNESCO. Read: 105 children killed in July-Aug uprising: Adviser Sharmin Murshid On the occasion of the celebration of World Children's Day 2024' in Bangladesh, Prof Yunus expressed love and affection to all the children of the world including Bangladesh. At the dawn of the construction of a new Bangladesh, the importance of observing the World Children's Day has reached a new level, he said. "Children are the architects of prosperous Bangladesh. It is the responsibility of all of us to give importance to proper development of children to build Bangladesh anew," Prof Yunus said. Therefore, he said, there is no alternative to proper environment, education, safety, nutrition and healthy entertainment in the physical, mental and cultural development of children. Prof Yunus hoped that the programmes undertaken to celebrate 'World Children's Day 2024' will contribute to the overall development of children. Read more: 70% of children in Bangladesh face discrimination, says Kochi Konther Asar "May all the children of the world, including Bangladesh, grow up in safe and loving care - this is my hope today. I wish World Children's Day and Children's Rights Week 2024 a success," he said.

In Bangladesh's hot weather, air conditioners (ACs) and coolers often become necessities to beat the heat. However, as a parent, ensuring your baby’s comfort and wellbeing in such environments can be tricky. Babies are more sensitive to temperature changes, and without proper care, they might catch a cold. So, how do you balance the need for cooling while keeping your baby healthy?  Why Babies Catch Cold Under ACs  Babies Have Weaker Immune Systems Babies, especially newborns, have developing immune systems. This means they are more susceptible to catching colds and infections, which can be triggered by their surrounding ambients, such as exposure to cold air from ACs. Rapid Temperature Changes One key reason babies catch cold under ACs is the rapid shift from warm to cool temperatures. Imagine stepping out of a hot, humid day into a chilled room—you will feel the difference immediately. For babies, such abrupt changes in temperature can hurt their respiratory system, making them more prone to colds and related illnesses. Read more: How to comfortably travel with babies Dry Air in AC Rooms ACs tend to remove moisture from the air and make the room dry. Babies’ nasal passages can get dried out, making them more vulnerable to respiratory issues and colds. They may also experience dry skin, which can lead to discomfort.  Babies' Inability to Regulate Body Temperature Unlike adults, babies cannot regulate their body temperature effectively. This means they might feel colder or warmer than you do under the same conditions. Though a room’s temperature might seem comfy for grown-up children and adults, it can be too cold for a baby, increasing risk of catching a cold. 

The international children’s rights organisation, Kochi Konther Asar, has submitted four separate memorandums to the Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus, the UN Regional Office, UNICEF and the US Embassy in Dhaka. These memorandums called for an end to the violation of children's rights globally including in Bangladesh. The organisation conducted a day-long programme on Thursday to mark World Children’s Day and World Children’s Week 2024. In response to questions from journalists, Kaium Khan, Secretary General of the Central Executive Committee of Kochi Konther Asar, stated, "Children are being abused in various ways in all countries, including Bangladesh. Children in war-torn countries, in particular, are suffering from extreme violence and hardship." Citing recent events, Khan added that many children were injured or killed during recent uprisings, with the world also witnessing the suffering of children in the conflicts in Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia. Founder of Kochi Konther Asar, Hemayet Hossain, emphasised that children in many countries, including Bangladesh, are still denied their basic rights. "Discrimination is evident even in fundamental human rights," he said, also pointing out that street children do not receive any support from government hospitals. Read: UN will declare both Israel and Hamas are violating children's rights in armed conflict After the speeches, a group of child representatives, alongside a UNICEF rally and road march, presented their demands through memorandums. A special memorandum was submitted to the office of the Chief Advisor at 11 a.m., followed by submissions to the United Nations and the US Embassy at noon. A minute of silence was observed in honor of children who were killed or injured in anti-discrimination movements. Students from various institutions, including Bengali and English medium schools, autism schools, madrasas, and schools such as USEP School, Autism Welfare Foundation, Mastul School, Karail Slum Street School, Academia, Manipur School (Tribal Students), Al Amin Hifzul Quran Madrasah and Orphanage, and Mapleleaf School, were present. The participants held placards with messages such as “End Child Labor,” “Reform Right to Education for Children,” and “Save Gaza, Save Ukraine, Stop the War.” Read more: Tuku for forming cross-sector body for protecting street children's rights Kochi Konther Asar distributed nutritious food to over 5,000 school students at Surupi Salina Baksa High School grounds in Muksudpur On October 1. Kochi Konther Asar USA and Children’s Voice sponsored this event. The organisation, which works across several countries including Bangladesh, has made significant contributions to the development of children's education, health, culture, and environmental awareness. This year, Kochi Konther Asar celebrates its 48th anniversary, marking a milestone in its service to children's development.

Since Saturday morning, a claim that “35 children have been reported missing in 48 hours” has been circulating widely on Facebook, causing panic among parents. However, police have dismissed the claim as a “baseless rumor.” Adabor Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahbubur Rahman told UNB, “We have not received any such information.” Similar statements were made by Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nur Alam, who confirmed they have no information to support the claim. Various Facebook groups have posted alarming messages, stating: “Breaking news, 35 children have gone missing in Dhaka and Chittagong in the last 48 hours.” 9 out of 10 children in Bangladesh experience violent discipline at home every month: UNICEF Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operation) Khandaker Mohid Uddin reiterated that the DMP has no evidence of 35 children going missing within 48 hours. He noted that from May 4 to 6, 33 general diaries (GD) were filed regarding missing children. From June 4 to 6, 36 GDs were filed in 72 hours, and from July 4 to 6, 32 GDs were filed in the same period. “The information being circulated on social media that ‘35 children went missing in 48 hours’ is not correct at all,” said the DMP additional commissioner. He also reassured the public that most of the children reported missing are eventually found. Read more: DMP to commuters: Leave for work early to avoid possible traffic jams

Play is not just a fun pastime for kids; it is essential for their overall development. Through play, children explore the world around them, experiment with ideas, and build crucial skills that will set them up for success in life. This comprehensive guide delves into the multifaceted benefits of play for a child's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Cognitive Development Enhancing Creativity Play stimulates a child's imagination, allowing them to explore new ideas and scenarios. Activities like building with blocks or creating stories foster creativity by encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking. In this way, young children develop social skills, learn to express emotions, and build confidence. These experiences provide a safe space for experimenting and learning, laying the foundation for innovative thinking and cognitive growth throughout their lives. Problem-Solving Skills Through play, kids encounter challenges that require problem-solving. Engaging with puzzles, board games, and make-believe scenarios helps develop their critical thinking skills and ability to find solutions. Read more: How to Teach Students to Accept and Overcome Academic Failures These activities also teach patience, persistence, and adaptability. Additionally, play enhances memory and cognitive flexibility, allowing children to approach problems from various angles. This hands-on learning prepares them for real-life situations, fostering resilience and a proactive mindset. Language Development Engaging in play, especially with peers, encourages young children to communicate effectively. They learn new words, sentence structures, and conversational skills, enhancing their language abilities. Play also teaches kids to listen, share ideas, and negotiate, which are crucial for social interaction. Through storytelling, role-playing, and collaborative games, a child can expand their vocabulary and understanding of language nuances, building a strong foundation for future communication and literacy skills. Boosting Memory and Attention Span Games that require concentration and recall, such as memory cards, help improve a child's memory and attention span. These activities challenge young children to remember patterns, sequences, or instructions, thereby enhancing their cognitive abilities. Read more: Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention Engaging in such games, kids learn to focus for extended periods, sharpen their observation skills, and develop strategies for retention. This mental exercise supports academic learning and promotes effective learning habits and problem-solving skills.

As the summer heatwave continues, the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration becomes a concern. Like adults, children can suffer from severe heat-related illnesses. Therefore, parents and caregivers should be cautious, especially for school-going children who stay outside the home for hours. Here are some essential summer tips to ensure the well-being of school-going children during the hot months.  How to Keep School-going Children Healthy During Summer Heat Waves Stay Hydrated Ensuring children stay hydrated is crucial during a heatwave. Parents and caregivers should encourage children to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, focusing on water as the primary source of hydration. It would be wise to avoid serving children sugary or caffeinated beverages that can contribute to dehydration. While leaving for school, it is necessary to provide children water bottles and remind them to take regular sips, even if they are not feeling thirsty. Offer water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges as healthy snacks to help keep children hydrated. Read more: How to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Stroke Dress Appropriately Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can help children stay cool. It is highly recommended to opt for light-coloured clothes that reflect sunlight rather than dark colours that absorb heat. Furthermore, while staying outdoors children can wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect their faces and eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Seek Shade  Children might need to stay outdoors for diverse purposes, like waiting for a school bus. During such situations, children should be encouraged to seek shade or canopies to minimise direct exposure to the sun. Read more: How to Protect Your Skin and Hair from Sun Damage Apply Sunscreen Liberally Sunscreen application is another crucial aspect of sun protection. Like adults, children can use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Before going to school or other places, kids need to apply sunscreens generously to their exposed skin, including the face, neck, arms, and legs. Nowadays many reputed brands produce child-friendly sunscreen products. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if children are swimming or sweating heavily. Parents and caregivers should teach children how to apply sunscreen properly and encourage them to build their sun protection routine. Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely While planning schedules for active outdoor games and sports during the warmer months, parents should pay attention to the matter that children stay safe from overheating or sunburn. However, when planning outdoor activities, it's essential to schedule them during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the peak heat hours. Read more: Summer Drinks: Refreshing Homemade Sherbets to Beat the Heat Caregivers should guide children to play in shaded areas, such as parks with plenty of trees, or bring portable shade structures like pop-up tents or sun umbrellas to prevent sunburn and heat-related illnesses. While playing, sweat should be wiped off immediately. Additionally, encouraging regular play breaks in shaded areas allows children to rest and hydrate. It is essential to prevent heat-related illnesses.  Stay Indoors During Peak Heat During extreme heat, it is best to stay indoors in air-conditioned or well-ventilated spaces for children to avoid heat-related illnesses. It would be thoughtful for the parents and caregivers to plan indoor activities like board games, arts and crafts, or movie marathons to keep children entertained and safe from the heat.  Read more: Beat Dehydration with These Summer Vegetables Educate About Heat-Related Illnesses It is essential to teach children about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, etc. Parents and caregivers should teach children to speak up if they are feeling unwell and remind them of the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult if they experience any symptoms of heat-related illness. Use Cooling Strategies Implementing cooling strategies like taking cool showers or baths, using fans or air conditioning, and applying cold compresses to the skin can help children beat the heat and stay comfortable indoors.  Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion Parents and caregivers can freeze damp washcloths or water bottles and place them on pulse points like the wrists, neck, and temples to help lower the body temperature of the children. It can make their mind and body cool after returning home from school or outdoors during the heat waves. Regular Baths Bathing plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness. It is important to avoid allowing children to drink or bathe in ice-cold water during hot weather. Instead, offer them water at room temperature or slightly cool.  When bathing, use water at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, to avoid shocking their system.  Read more: Heat Stroke: Symptoms, First Aid, and Prevention Stay Connected Staying connected with children, caregivers, and school staff during a heatwave is essential for assuring everyone's safety. Keep lines of communication open with children, caregivers, and school staff during summer. Sharing information about heat safety tips and encouraging everyone to look out for each other helps create a supportive environment where everyone can stay cool, hydrated, and healthy during hot weather.  Thus, parents and caregivers can minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses in children at home, community space, school, playground, or other places. Read more: Guidelines issued for primary schools reopening tomorrow amid heatwave Bottom Lines Implementing summer safety for school-going children during a heatwave is paramount to their well-being and health. Parents, caregivers, and school staff can help mitigate the risks associated with hot weather, by prioritising hydration, sun protection, appropriate clothing, and staying cool indoors during peak heat hours.  Educating children about heat-related illnesses and empowering them to recognise signs of distress is equally important. By working together and staying aware, the wellbeing and health safety of school children can be assured during the summer months. Read more: Mist Fan Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh for 2024

In a recent distressing incident in Cumilla, seven-year-old Abdullah encountered a life-threatening situation while playing, entangled with an unimaginable 11,000-volt transmission cable running through the building's gap. Such incidents can be prevented with caution.  Electrical shocks pose a significant threat to children, especially during playtime. The allure of exploring their surroundings may unknowingly lead them into situations with high electric shock risk. Let’s take a look at some tips to keep children safe from electric shocks in and outside home. Tips to Protect Children from Electric Shocks Cord Management  Kids can get electrocuted through exposed cords or overloaded electrical outlets. To ensure the safety of children, it is crucial to keep electrical cords out of their reach. At home and school, it is essential to bundle and clamp cords, use cord covers, or hide running cords behind furniture.  Additionally, it is essential never to overload outlets or power strips, as this practice poses a significant fire hazard.  Read more: Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change Appliance Safety  Ensuring the safety of children involves keeping appliances, particularly those that generate heat like irons, hair dryers, toasters, etc -  out of their reach. To further minimise risks, it is essential to unplug these appliances when not in use.  This practice not only prevents potential accidents associated with heat-generating appliances but also promotes energy efficiency. It also eliminates the risk of accidents when the appliances are not actively in operation.  GFCIs Installation  For enhanced safety in areas prone to water exposure, such as kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, one may consider installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in the power outlets. GFCIs play a crucial role in preventing serious injuries or fatalities resulting from electric shocks.  Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe These devices swiftly cut off power if the system can detect a fault in the circuit, mitigating the risk of electric shock in potentially hazardous environments. Prioritising the installation of GFCIs underscores a proactive approach to electrical safety, safeguarding kids in home and school areas from the dangers associated with water and electricity interactions.  Secure Outdoor Wires  Prioritising the safety of outdoor spaces is imperative, especially concerning hanging wires outside homes or streets. To mitigate potential risks, it is crucial to ensure that all such wires are securely fastened to prevent accidental contact.  If there are hanging electric wires on open roads, near residential blocks, or schools, the children are at risk of getting electrocuted while playing. Therefore, to avoid any electrical accidents, parents, school management, and community members should inform the associated responsible authorities to take necessary measures. Read more: Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe By eliminating the possibility of unintended contact with outdoor wires, individuals can contribute to creating safer residential areas. 

The chilly weather of winter brings cold waves which can harm children. During the cold months, keeping children safe from flu, colds and other kinds of winter sickness becomes a struggle for their parents. One effective way to enhance a kid’s immune system is by treating it with nutritious homemade soups. Here are some tasty soup recipes that cater to your child's health needs. 10 Delicious Soups to Strengthen Kids' Immunity This Winter Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Enjoy the nutritional benefits of Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, a blend of fresh broccoli, butter, cheddar, and milk. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, broccoli enhances immunity. The soup provides essential nutrients, including calcium, supporting bone health. To make this comforting bowl, gently sauté fresh broccoli florets in butter, adding a creamy mix of cheddar and milk until velvety smooth. This velvety creation is both satisfying and nourishing, offering a wholesome strategy to fortify your child against winter ailments. Incorporating broccoli's goodness, it contributes vitamins A and C. Relish a warm bowl of this nutrient-packed soup, making it a delicious yet health-conscious choice. Read more: 10 Types of Natural Honey: A Guide to Varieties, Benefits, and Uses Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Nourish your child with the wholesome goodness of the Chicken and Vegetable Soup. Packed with essential nutrients, this recipe combines protein-rich chicken with an array of nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions in a hearty broth. To prepare, gently simmer the chicken with the vibrant vegetable mix until it reaches perfection. The dish is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. These vitamins contribute to a strengthened immune system. Additionally, the soup provides essential minerals like iron, supporting the body's metabolic processes and maintaining energy levels. This nutrient-dense soup is not only comforting on winter evenings but also serves as a robust defence against seasonal illnesses. Spinach and Chicken Soup Enjoy the nourishment of Spinach and Chicken Soup, a delicious mixture designed to enhance both taste and health. Combine spinach with chicken for a nutrient-rich infusion. Simmer these ingredients, allowing the flavours to merge into a comforting soup. Serve with lemon. Read more: Superfoods: Worth the Hype? Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is a rich source of iron from spinach, essential for maintaining healthy blood. Chicken contributes essential proteins necessary for the growth and immune function of children. Together, they create a fortifying concoction that delights the taste buds of youngsters and strengthens cold resistance too.  Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil Savour the health benefits of Nourishing Coconut Carrot Lentil Soup, combining protein-packed lentils, carrots, and velvety coconut milk for a wholesome infusion. Simmer the ingredients to meld flavours seamlessly. Together, they create a nourishing symphony that boosts your child's immunity, ensuring good health in winter. This creation acts as a strong defence against winter ailments, with essential proteins, vitamins B and C, and coconut milk adding a creamy texture rich in healthy fats. This nutrient-dense delicious soup provides nutrients, making it a health-conscious choice for your child. Read more: Prospects of Safe Broiler Chicken Farming Tomato and Basil Delight Savour the health benefits of Tomato and Basil Delight Soup, a nutritious fusion designed to boost immunity. Simply combine tomatoes with aromatic basil, simmering until the flavours mix seamlessly. This soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing essential vitamins such as vitamin C from tomatoes. Basil contributes additional vitamins, including vitamin K, essential for bone health. Together, they create a nourishing concoction that supports your child's immune system with every serving.

As winter rolls in, it brings cold waves and fog. In chilly weather, kids may catch cold and fall ill more frequently. However, there are some secret weapons to combat these seasonal maladies: immunity-boosting winter drinks! Discovering tasty and healthy options to fortify children's immunity can make winter an enjoyable journey. Let's explore palatable winter drinks that not only tantalise the taste buds of children but also serve as shields against sickness during the cold months. 10 Delicious Immunity-Booster Winter Drinks for Children Turmeric Milk  Turmeric milk is known for its medicinal properties. This drink blends the beneficial properties of turmeric and warm milk. To prepare, heat a cup of milk first. Then add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a dash of honey to the milk. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes, then strain before consumption. This golden elixir boasts curcumin which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming turmeric milk helps bolster the immune system, aiding in the prevention of winter ailments like colds and flu. Its natural healing properties provide relief from sore throats, coughs, and other seasonal maladies.  Read more: 10 Types of Natural Honey: A Guide to Varieties, Benefits, and Uses Vegetable Soup Vegetable soup, a wholesome blend, incorporates an array of vegetables like carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and onions. Simmer these veggies in a broth, then season with some herbs and spices. This nutritious soup is filled with a plethora of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fortifying kids' natural immune systems and aiding in preventing colds and flu. The warmth, nourishment, and hydration provided by this soup make it an appealing and immunity-boosting choice to keep kids healthy while relishing an appetizing meal.  Orange Carrot Juice A vibrant and refreshing drink, orange carrot juice is a burst of immunity-boosting nutrients. Combine equal parts of carrot and orange juices for a rich blend of vitamin C and beta-carotene. These ingredients can fortify the immune system, essential in shielding kids from winter ailments. Read more: Superfoods: Worth the Hype?  The juice's high vitamin content bolsters immunity, warding off cold and flu during colder months. The antioxidants in this juice act as a defence mechanism, aiding in preventing illnesses, while its delicious taste makes it kid-friendly. Pumpkin Seed Milk Pumpkin seed milk is another delightful way to keep winter ailments at bay for the little ones. This remedy involves blending soaked pumpkin seeds with water and straining the mixture. Rich in zinc, antioxidants, and omega-3s, it safeguards kids against winter sickness.  This nutritious vegan delight acts as a shield against seasonal ailments by fortifying the body's defence mechanisms. Its high zinc content aids in immune response, while antioxidants combat free radicals. Providing a wealth of nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin E, pumpkin seed milk contributes to overall health, offering an extra layer of winter protection. Read more: Prospects of Safe Broiler Chicken Farming Fruit Smoothies Organic fruits are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Preparing smoothies involves blending a variety of fruits such as berries, bananas, and oranges, with a splash of yoghurt or milk. Each sip is a celebration of the body's strength. The fruit medley provides a powerhouse of vitamins C and E, crucial for fortifying their defences and warding off colds. Its richness in antioxidants aids in fighting off infections, ensuring a tasty and convenient way for kids to stay healthier during colder months.  

In today's world, parents often face a significant dilemma when raising a teenager. During this stage of life, the teens strive for independence while still requiring guidance and support from their parents. Striking the right balance between being a parent and being a friend to an adolescent child is quite challenging. Let’s take a look at some effective tips for parents to establish a strong, supportive, and amicable relationship with their teenage children. 10 Tips for Parents to Form Friendship with Their Adolescent Children Open Communication Strong parent-teen bond hinges on effective communication. Parents should endeavour to foster open, non-judgemental dialogues with their teenage sons and daughters. It creates a safe space for them to freely express their thoughts and emotions. It is essential to bear in mind that actively listening, rather than merely hearing, conveys a genuine interest in their perspective. Allowing them the freedom to convey their feelings and ideas, even in cases of disagreement, nurtures trust. Trust, nurtured through open, non-judgemental conversations, forms the foundation of a healthy, enduring relationship with adolescents. Read more: Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Respect Their Independence Adolescents strongly desire independence. Granting freedom at a certain level enables them to learn from both their triumphs and missteps, fostering personal growth. Trusting their judgement, even when it may seem risky, demonstrates faith in their abilities and boosts their self-esteem. However, maintaining a guiding presence is equally important, stepping in when necessary to provide advice and support. Striking this balance of trust and guidance empowers teenagers to become responsible, self-reliant individuals. It also shows that they can turn to parents when needed. Shared Interests Discovering shared hobbies or interests is a powerful way to nurture parent-teen friendships. These mutual activities can be anything, from participating in a sport to pursuing a shared hobby or even jointly binge-watching a TV show. Read more: Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention Engaging in such activities forges a unique bond that transcends the conventional parent-child dynamic. It connects on a personal level and promotes not just enjoyable moments but also meaningful conversations. Sharing interests deepens the connection, rendering the relationship more enjoyable.