Unicef for hiking budget for children

Unicef today urged Bangladesh government to increase the budget allocation for child-related initiatives from 14 percent in 2016 to 20 percent by 2020.

"It is now increasingly acknowledged that children hold the key to development," said Unicef Bangladesh Representative, Edouard Beigbeder.

"No investment will be more effective and efficient than to invest in children to give them a good start in life," Beigbeder said.

The call was made at the launch of Shishuder Budget Patth Shohaika (child-friendly version of the national budget), a joint publication prepared by the finance ministry and Unicef.

The publication aims to increase awareness on public finance processes among adolescent boys and girls and the impact it has on their wellbeing.

Beigbeder also suggested the establishment of a permanent child focus budget unit at the finance division to provide technical support to all other relevant ministries or agencies.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith launched the publication, while state ministers for finance MA Mannan, women and children affairs ministry secretary Nasima Begum, and finance division secretary Mahbub Ahmed were present.