(BSS) - President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for strict implementation of a zero-tolerance policy to prevent violence and sexual harassment against women and girl children.

Safety of girl children must be ensured everywhere, from their journeys to school and the school environment to the online world and social media, he said.

"There is no alternative to strict implementation of the zero tolerance policy to ensure prompt investigations, effective trials and strict enforcement of the law in cases of violence, rape and sexual harassment against women and children," the President said.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion as chief guest at Bangladesh Shishu Academy on Monday, marking International Day of the Girl Child 2026.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum (NGCAF) jointly organized the discussion and cultural programme, with Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain in the chair.

The President`s spouse, Rahat Ara Begum was also present at the event.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that positive changes in people`s attitudes and mindsets were essential to ensuring the welfare of girl children. "Girls must be given equal importance alongside boys," he said.

He noted that girls were demonstrating their abilities and achieving success in various fields, including education, healthcare, sports, technology, mass media, business, trade and state administration.

Referring to the international achievements of Bangladesh`s women`s football team and mountaineer Nishat Majumder`s ascent of Mount Everest, among other accomplishments by women, the President said, "These achievements are a source of pride for the country."

Addressing parents, he urged them to view daughters not as a burden but as a source of potential and promise. He called on families to ensure equal dignity for boys and girls and teach boys from an early age to respect girls.

The President also stressed the importance of prioritising girls` education and welfare over saving money for their marriage.

"A girl`s education is not an act of charity but a fundamental right. Ensuring her safety is a sacred responsibility of the family, society and the state," he added.

Introducing himself as the father of two daughters, the President said the issue of girls` welfare was deeply personal to him.

"I see the faces of my own children in every girl child. Discussing their future is not merely a social and state responsibility for me, but also a matter of deep affection," he said.

He emphasised that religious values played an important role in fostering respect for girls and encouraging responsible behaviour towards them.

Urging people to uphold religious and moral teachings, he said, "Although daughters are blessings from the Creator, they are often undervalued and neglected in society. The moral teachings of all religions emphasise protecting the rights and dignity of women and girl children."

Referring to this year`s International Day of the Girl Child theme, "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls` Rights", the President said child marriage was not merely a marriage but an end to childhood that disrupted education and squandered potential.

He added that child marriage could also lead to early motherhood, health complications, economic dependence and an increased risk of violence.

The President called for greater access to adolescent-friendly services and mental healthcare in every upazila, alongside increased public awareness of helplines.

Addressing girls directly, he urged them to remain aware of their rights, continue their education, develop practical skills and prepare themselves for independent lives.

"If they face injustice, abuse or oppression, they must inform a trusted guardian, teacher or the relevant authorities," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of learning martial arts for self-defence, noting that girls` success was linked not only to their families but also to the future of society and Bangladesh.

The President said political commitment, administrative competence, social participation and, above all, a change in mindset were essential to advancing the rights and welfare of girl children.

"No society or nation can advance by leaving women and girl children behind. Therefore, everyone must work together to build a Bangladesh where every girl child can be born safely, grow up without fear, pursue education with dreams, acquire skills and become self-reliant," he said.

The President also recalled former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia`s contributions to girls` education, highlighting initiatives such as scholarships for girls and tuition-free education.

He described the ruling party`s political commitment as crucial to ensuring women`s safety and development, adding that the incumbent Prime Minister was playing a leading role in this regard.

The President called on everyone to work collectively to secure a healthy, safe, dignified and bright future for every girl child in Bangladesh.

State Minister Farzana Sharmin and BNP National Standing Committee member and lawmaker Begum Selima Rahman addressed the event as special guests.

Country Director of The Hunger Project Bangladesh Prashanta Tripura, Women and Children Affairs Ministry Secretary Dr Rowsan Ara Begum, and NGCAF Vice-President Shaheen Akter Doly also spoke at the event.

Earlier, Shaila Sharmin Zaman, director general of the ministry`s Department of Women Affairs, delivered the welcome address. A relevant documentary was subsequently screened, followed by speeches from two girl children.

The programme concluded with children performing various cultural activities.