The seminar on the 'Role of child journalists in safeguarding the children's rights' was organised by Mass-line Media Centre (MMC) at the Cirdap auditorium in the city.

"Children being involved with journalism can become conscious about their rights which is a must to stop torture on them," said Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique of mass communication and journalism department of Dhaka University.

Because of not being conscious, children are deprived of their rights in the society, he added.

"The experience of child journalists will also help them if they choose other profession in future," said Rahat Khan, editor of the daily Ittefaq.

He said as journalists the children can get an opportunity to acquire knowledge about the society which is always needed in any profession.

Prof Golam Rahman, chairman of the mass communication and journalism department of Dhaka University, stressed the need for presenting the real picture of the children in different newspapers.

"I appreciate the children's coming to journalism as their representation in the newspapers is not adequate," he added.

Children should also give much concentration on their study beside practising journalism, said Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, executive editor of the daily Sangbad.

Replying to a question, he said security of journalist whether he is child or adult cannot be ensured unless the overall situation of the country is changed.

Presided over by MMC Executive Director Kamrul Hasan Monju, the seminar was also addressed by Naya Diganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin.

Executive Director of Democracywatch Taleya Rahman and Kazi Nabiul Huq of Plan Bangladesh.

Many child journalists of Shishu Prakash (Children's Express), a news agency for children run by the MMC also took part at the seminar.

Shishu Prakash since starting its journey on May 30 this year has so far made a total of 287 in-depth reports related to children's rights by its 646 journalists in 64 districts.