Speakers at a national-level dialogue stressed the urgent need for stronger, child-centered, and coordinated efforts between government and non-government stakeholders to prevent child sexual exploitation and abuse. The national dialogue and presentation of child-led research findings were held on 18 December 2025 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

The event was organized by Association for Community Development (ACD) with support from ECPAT International under the project “Children Know Better: Making Child Participation the Key to Improving the Effectiveness of Action Against Sexual Exploitation of Children.”

As part of the project, 25 child leaders from Mohanpur and Godagari upazilas and Rajshahi City Corporation conducted child-led research using focus group discussions, interviews, and key informant interviews with local decision-makers. The research identified community-level risks, social barriers, service gaps, and opportunities for preventing child sexual exploitation.

The event was graced by Anwar Hossain, Director (Joint Secretary) of the NGO Affairs Bureau, as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he described child-led research as timely and commendable, stating: “Information derived from children’s lived experiences helps us better understand ground realities. By making evidence-based decisions rather than emotional ones, and through effective coordination between government and non-government actors, child protection initiatives can be made more effective.” He also emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability of all institutions responsible for child protection.

The programme was chaired by Professor Dr. Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan, Executive President of ACD. Panel discussions featured Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam from the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka; M. M. Mahmudullah, Additional Director of the Department of Social Services; and Ms. Kaniz Tazia, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs. Speakers highlighted the need for effective implementation of child protection policies, adherence to the National Action Plan (2018–2030), and strengthened coordinated efforts at the field level.

Child researchers Sumaiya Afrin Shyama and Sabiha Jannati Nisha presented the findings, sharing the research process, key data, and policy recommendations. Recommendations included strengthening sexual harassment complaint committees in educational institutions, promoting the national helpline 109, expanding One-Stop Crisis Centers and Victim Support Centers, improving public transport safety, and ensuring meaningful child participation in protection mechanisms.

ACD Project Coordinator Md. Ali Ahmed outlined the project objectives, while the session was moderated by ACD’s Team Leader (Advocacy, Lobby and Network) Subrata Kumar Paul. A documentary was screened by Program Manager Monirul Islam. The event was also attended by Anika Azhaer, Country Coordinator of The People Courage International, Abdullah Al Mamun, Manager at ActionAid; Sagufa Ahmed from Plan International; Abdur Rahman Khan, Programme Manager at the British Council; Sara Zaman, Programme Manager of NETZ Bangladesh; Mushfiqur Rahman, Chief of Operations at Incidin Bangladesh; development researcher Mojahidul Islam Nayan; Bidhan Chandra Pal, Managing Director of Probha Aurora; and Salma Jannat from MRDI, along with representatives from various government and non-government organizations.