They also stressed the need for inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination in allocation of funds and technical support for implementation of the programmes meant for the children.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the daylong workshop on 'The development of socially disadvantaged children (SDC)' at the LGED conference room in the city.

Presenting a keynote paper, Nurul Islam Khan, a consultant, said there were 6,74,148 street children in 11 major cities and towns in 2004 and the number will rise to 7,59,655 in 2014.

Among the socially disadvantaged children, those who are growing up in brothels and the brothel children under institutional care are the most distressed children, he said, adding that necessary steps should be taken immediately to address their needs.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of disadvantaged children, Dr Kamal Uddin Siddiqui, principal secretary to the prime minister, called on the organisations working for the children to raise awareness about family planning programme alongside the government's efforts to this end.

He also called for specific recommendations with regard to funds, manpower and other factors needed to implement the programmes for the children.

Speaking as the chief guest, Women and Children Affairs Minister Khurshid Jahan Haque called for initiating a 'compulsory primary education' programme for the disadvantaged children.

Government officials, civil society members and representatives of Unicef, Save The Children, CARE and BRAC and took part in the workshop.