The Young Journalist Changemaker Group Rised Their Voices in Protest and Grievance
On September 29, 2025, the Young Journalist Changemaker Group of LEEDO helped staying alongside took the stage at the National Press Club in Dhaka, giving voice to the pain, injustice, and resilience of children across Bangladesh. They echoed their voices that Child rights are being violated at an alarming scale, and the silence must end. Citing their keynote report, the group revealed that 306 children were victims of sexual abuse between January and July 2025 – a 75% increase from the previous year. The data also revealed that between January and October 2024, at least 482 children were murdered, and 580 faced various forms of abuse, including physical assault, sexual violence, and corporal punishment by teachers. The press conference covered by electronic and print media such as The Daily Star (The Daily Star) Dhaka Tribune (Dhaka Tribune) and Ekattor TV.
The conference was moderated by young journalists and presided by Mr. Forhad Hossain, founder and Executive Director of LEEDO.
The burning questions they raised laid bare systemic failures not just in protection, but in values. The press conference echoed growing concern over rising abuse not only in homes but also in schools, workplaces, and online spaces. Alarming data shows 1 in 3 children face violence online, from cyberbullying to exploitation. Their testimonies cut through the silence. They asked powerful questions:
Why did children still live on the streets?
Why were they trapped in domestic work?
Why was society treating children as disposable?
Why did justice favor wealth or power?
They called for accountability, not sympathy and a society that nurtures, not neglects, its children.
This press conference marked a shift in the national dialogue. For once, children led the conversation and the country listened.
Their words are now a call to action. LEEDO stands firmly with these young changemakers and urges, government, media, civil society, and every citizen to join with them. Listen to them. Act now. Let no child be unheard, unprotected, or forgotten.