National Dialogue on Upholding Child Rights in the 2026 National Elections
Marking International Human Rights Day, the Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO) organized the National Dialogue on Upholding Child Rights in the 2026 National Elections on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, calling for strong and enforceable commitments to prevent the political exploitation of children and to protect street-connected and vulnerable children during the upcoming national election.
The dialogue took place at the Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club, in collaboration with the Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC) and Dhaka Centre for Dialogue (DCD). The event brought together political leaders, civil society actors, child rights advocates, academics, journalists, and young change-makers to address the heightened risks children face during election periods.
LEEDO highlighted that in previous elections, children were frequently involved in political campaigns, rallies, and processions, often exposing them to violence, exploitation, and physical danger. Such practices directly violate the Children Act 2013 and the National Child Protection Policy, while also undermining children’s dignity and fundamental rights.
During the dialogue, LEEDO and its partner organizations presented four key demands for inclusion in all political parties’ election manifestos ahead of the 2026 national election. These demands include: a complete ban on children’s participation in political programs, rallies, and campaign activities; the establishment of special safety and protection measures for street-connected and at-risk children during election periods; the formal inclusion of child rights protection commitments in party manifestos; and the signing of public pledges by political parties to ensure that children are not used for political purposes.
Political leaders attending the dialogue expressed broad consensus that children must not be exposed to the risks of electoral politics. Several participants publicly committed to ensuring that children will not be used in election campaigns, meetings, or processions, and emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and safety throughout the election period.
In his concluding remarks, Farhad Hossain, Founder and Executive Director of LEEDO, noted that children’s welfare is often highlighted before elections but neglected afterward. He emphasized that protecting children’s rights is not optional but a legal, moral, and constitutional obligation. Real progress, he stated, requires translating commitments into concrete actions that ensure access to education, healthcare, safety, shelter, and a dignified life for every child.
The dialogue also featured a powerful intervention by Mahfuza Sultana Munni, a fifth-grade student from a street-connected background, who shared her lived experience of being used in election-related activities. Her testimony underscored the urgent need for accountability and reform.
The National Dialogue concluded with a collective call for a child-sensitive, humane, and responsible national election in 2026, where no child’s rights are compromised in the name of politics. For details
Happy Hearts Day: A Joyful Journey of Learning, Discovery and Togetherness
On a bright Thursday morning, 30 October 2025, more than 300 children of LEEDO set out on a journey filled with excitement, curiosity and laughter. Their destination was Mohammodi Garden & Agro in Dhamrai, a place where nature, open fields and fresh air welcomed them with warmth. The day-long event, titled “Happy Hearts Day: A Day of Exploration and Learning with the Children of LEEDO,” was designed to give street-connected and disadvantaged children a slice of happiness, joy and fun that every child deserves.
From the start, the atmosphere was full of life. Children from LEEDO’s Peace Home, Transitional Shelter, Inclusive School and School Under the Sky gathered in their bright orange event T-shirts, creating a cheerful and vibrant sea of color. Eleven groups were formed for smooth coordination. Each group was guided by a team leader and a social mobilizer to ensure care and attention throughout the day.
Before the fun activities began, Executive Director Farhad Hossain shared an inspiring and guiding message with the children. His words reminded them about safety, kindness and unity as they moved through their day of adventure. After this, the street educators led a lively physical training session with all children and the beneficiaries of School Under the Sky. Laughter mixed with movement and the warm-up built excitement for the hours ahead.
The morning continued with exploration. Children enjoyed the lush garden surroundings, observed plants, touched soil, climbed small trees, played on swings and splashed happily in the swimming pool. The water play created moments of pure joy. Many of these children rarely get such carefree experiences in their everyday lives.
As the sun climbed higher, games filled the field with excitement. The chocolate race and pillow passing quickly became favorites and the area echoed with cheers, giggles and friendly competition. Children supported one another, built confidence and celebrated every win. Staff and volunteers also joined the games and helped create a warm and family-like environment.
The afternoon brought another highlight. A cultural program filled the stage with dances, songs, recitations and performances prepared by the children. Their confidence and creativity reflected the safe and supportive environment that LEEDO continues to build. A special moment arrived when our dear friend Mike Sherriff, Chairman of Friends of Street Children Bangladesh, performed the popular song “আমার হাড় কালা করলাম রে,” which lifted the spirit of the entire venue.
After the cultural program, the Executive Director and honored guests held a prize-giving ceremony. They presented awards to the winners of the chocolate race, pillow passing and the basketball game for specially challenged children. Each award reflected pride, achievement and togetherness.
Distinguished guests, including LEEDO leadership, Trustee Board Members and media friends, spent meaningful time with the children. Their presence highlighted LEEDO’s long-standing dedication to child protection and development.
As the buses returned to Dhaka in the evening, the children carried home more than T-shirts or prizes. They carried memories filled with friendship, fun, learning and the rare joy of simply being children.
“Happy Hearts Day” grew into more than an event. It became a celebration of hope, belonging and the simple happiness that every child deserves. It proved once again that when children are given love, opportunities and a safe space to dream, their hearts shine the brightest.
Art, Photography Exhibition & Cultural Evening by Vulnerable Children and Survivors
On 30 September 2025,LEEDO Peace Home came alive with colors, creativity, and courage as the Young Journalist Changemaker Group hosted a remarkable Art, Photography, and Cultural Evening by Vulnerable Children and Survivors.
The event celebrated the resilience of children who have faced hardship yet continue to dream, create, and inspire. The exhibition featured photographs taken by the young changemakers and paintings created by the children themselves. Each one reflecting their struggles, hopes, and aspirations for a safer world.
During the event, children from LEEDO Peace Home presented their paintings, photographs, and newspaper clippings that illustrated the social realities and daily struggles of underprivileged children. They also performed cultural presentations and shared their personal stories. The welcome remarks were delivered by two members of the Young Journalist Changemaker Group, Hasan Ali Musafir and Mahfuza Sultana Munni. The closing speech was given by LEEDO’s Executive Director, Mr. Forhad Hossain. Among others, Mr. Mahabul Haque, Executive Director of Human Rights Development Centre, and Mr. Jahangir Hossain, Project Director of Daffodil Child Home, also spoke on the occasion.
Distinguished guests also included:
- Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General & Additional Secretary, Department of Social Services
- Mr. Mofidul Hoque, Founder Trustee, Liberation War Museum
- Md. Rezaul Karim Khokon, Freedom Fighter (Sector 7) & Social Activist
- Ms. Nusrat Jahan, Deputy Director (Advocacy), SOS Children’s Village Bangladesh
They praised LEEDO’s ongoing commitment to child rights and the innovative approach of empowering children through journalism, art, and storytelling.
The evening concluded with a warm message of unity – that every child, regardless of their background, deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to express themselves.
Through creativity and courage, the children of LEEDO once again proved that their voices can illuminate paths toward a more compassionate and inclusive society.
A Child’s Fight for Justice and an Exhibition Against Violence
We are very sorry to share the heartbreaking story of Jannat, a five-year-old girl whose life was marked by cruelty and abandonment at the hands of her own uncle. With a hospital cannula still in her hand, she was left crying helplessly at Kamalapur Railway Station until Railway Police and LEEDO intervened. LEEDO’s swift action not only saved her life, ensuring she was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s Pediatric ICU, but also helped bring her abuser to justice. Deeply moved by her suffering, LEEDO’s Founder and Executive Director, Forhad Hossain and Board Member Murshida Akter Kanta, Tusher Ahmed Imran and Tawhid Ahmeed personally visited Jannat at the hospital, standing beside her and ensuring she received the urgent care she needed. This is not just Jannat’s story but the reality of many vulnerable children who suffer silently on our streets. To raise awareness and protest against such violence, LEEDO organized the art exhibition “Scars of Marginalized Children on Canvas”, where street children expressed their pain through art and called for a safer, brighter future. LEEDO remains committed to protecting every vulnerable street connected child like Jannat, giving them love, dignity, and the right to live again. For details