Speakers at a roundtable meeting here yesterday urged the political parties to include children's issues in their election manifestoes for ensuring the rights of children.

Private development organisation Democracywatch organised the meeting at the auditorium of Tangail Municipality.

The objectives of the roundtable were to raise awareness about children's rights and good governance as children learn how to make decisions through practising political rights, highlight welfare of the children through changing thought and practice of the policy makers and ensure a violence-free environment where policymakers help children enjoy their civic and political rights.  

They also requested the main political parties to hold discussions with governmental and non-governmental organisations, networks and forums that are working for children's rights so as to include children's matters in their election manifestoes.

Democracywatch coordinator in the district Shamim Al Mamun presented the keynote paper at the meeting.

District Social Welfare Department Deputy Director Mohammad Abdul Hamid, district unit of Federation of NGOs of Bangladesh General Secretary Abul Kalam Mostofa Labu, district Children's Affairs Officer Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Tangail Press Club Vice-President Shamsadul Akter Shamim and National Children's Task Force District Organiser Shahriar Rahim spoke at the meeting.