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Fakhar Uddin said the government considers ensuring children’s safety a top priority and is working to continue community-based childcare centres.

He emphasised the need for greater family awareness to prevent waterbodies near homes from becoming hazards.

Noting that around 40 children die from drowning daily in Bangladesh, he described it as a “national crisis”, as drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged one to five.

“I will carefully consider the recommendations from this policy dialogue. The government is committed to including child safety in both the national budget and policy frameworks,” he added.

At the event, Rezaul Haque, director (research and communication) at Somosti, presented a research-based policy brief that said more than 14,000 children die from drowning each year in Bangladesh.

He noted that proven interventions -- such as community-based childcare centres, swimming training and awareness initiatives -- have shown success but remain largely project-based and are not included in long-term government budgets, putting their continuity at risk.

He stressed the need for sustainable public financing and exploration of additional funding avenues.

The discussion highlighted drowning as a major public health concern, particularly for children, and reviewed existing government initiatives, with officials stressing stronger coordination.

A panel discussion explored pathways for sustainable financing, with participants underscoring the importance of budget prioritisation, multi-stakeholder partnerships and scaling up local interventions.

Participants also shared views during an open discussion, before making a collective commitment to strengthening coordinated efforts and ensuring sustainable financing for drowning prevention.

Prof Dr Kazi Maruful Islam of Dhaka University; Md Mamunur Rashid, joint secretary (World Health Wing), Ministry of Health; Munira Hasan, UNICEF representative; Suchi Syed, assistant editor of Jugantor; Shahnaz Sharmin of Ekattor TV; Shahinaz Poly of the National Press Club; Dr Al-Amin Bhuiyan of CIPRB; and Rizwanul Haque Khan of Synergos also spoke, among others.