By Mst Monia Akter
Nelson Mandela famously said, “Children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” Indeed, children are the foundation of a country’s future, embodying the potential for societal growth and progress. Yet, in Bangladesh, this potential is increasingly under threat as many children are forced into labor. This is a grave issue that poses significant challenges for society and the state.
According to the Bangladesh Labor Act of 2006, a “child” is defined as anyone under 14 years of age, though individuals under 18 are generally considered minors. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines “child labor” as work that is likely to harm a child’s safety, health, or moral development due to its nature or conditions. A joint UNICEF-ILO report revealed that there are approximately 160 million child laborers globally, including nearly 21.8 million in South Asia. The latest data underscores a troubling trend, as global numbers of child laborers have risen by 8.4 million in recent years.
In Bangladesh, statistics on child labor are unreliable and outdated. According to a survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) conducted over a decade ago, about 9.7% of the 39.6 million children in the country were engaged in some form of labor. Among them, approximately 1.28 million children were involved in hazardous work. The ILO, however, estimates that over 4.7 million children aged 5-14 are engaged in formal labor, with 83% of these child laborers residing in rural areas. Despite efforts to track this issue, the real numbers are likely even higher.
A recent National Child Labor Survey (NCLS) report found that the number of working children between the ages of 12 and 13 has more than doubled in the past decade. In 2013, around 40,000 children in this age group were involved in hazardous work, a figure that rose to 590,000 in 2022. The situation is alarming, as hazardous work exposes children to severe physical and mental health risks and perpetuates cycles of poverty and deprivation.
The factors driving child labor in Bangladesh are numerous. Poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and inadequate enforcement of existing laws are primary causes. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, with school closures and rising poverty levels pushing many more children into the workforce. UNICEF reports that children are being forced into child labor at an increasing rate, particularly in urban slums where educational opportunities are limited, and children are expected to contribute to household income from a young age.
The consequences of child labor are devastating. It not only deprives children of education but also hinders their mental and physical development. According to the NCLS 2022, while the number of child laborers who do not attend school has decreased slightly—from 1.07 million in 2013 to 850,000 in 2022—dropout rates remain high, especially at the secondary level. The dropout rate for girls is particularly concerning, standing at 40.78%.
Cultural and socioeconomic factors also play a role. In many cases, societal expectations and deeply rooted values dictate that children contribute to the family income. However, this trend has created an environment where children are routinely denied their rights and are trapped in an unending cycle of poverty and limited opportunity. A comprehensive strategy is needed to address these structural issues. ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen has emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborations among government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to provide sustainable solutions. Skill development programs, social protections, and compulsory education initiatives are critical in ending child labor.
International efforts, such as the ILO’s Durban Call to Action, are focused on eradicating child labor by addressing its root causes. SDG Target 8.7 calls for an end to child labor by 2025, while SDG 4 emphasizes inclusive, quality education for all children. The Bangladeshi government has taken steps to address the issue by proposing amendments to the Labor Act, which prohibit children under 14 from working. Under these amendments, children aged 14-18 may only engage in “light labor,” with penalties of up to BDT 5,000 for employers who violate these provisions. However, the enforcement of these regulations remains inconsistent.
Despite these efforts, child labor continues to be widespread in Bangladesh across various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and domestic work. Reports from the ILO and local NGOs indicate that children in these sectors work long hours under dangerous conditions, often without any oversight or protection. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), states are obligated to “take legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures” to protect children from exploitation. Article 10(3) of the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, adopted in 1966, specifically calls for an end to child labor and highlights the need for strict enforcement of age limits.
The issue of child labor is a violation of fundamental human rights, and its persistence undermines Bangladesh’s development goals. The education system, in particular, requires significant expansion and improvement to ensure that every child has access to quality education and is not forced into the labor market prematurely. Without a robust and inclusive educational framework, efforts to end child labor will likely fall short.
Ending child labor requires a multi-faceted approach. Government policies must be strengthened and enforced, but awareness-raising and community engagement are also essential. In addition, providing legitimate work opportunities for parents and older siblings can reduce the economic pressures that drive families to rely on child labor. Programs that focus on skill development, social protection, and accessible education can help break the cycle of poverty and create a safer environment for children.
Child labor in Bangladesh is a crisis that demands urgent attention and coordinated action. Only by addressing the root causes and enforcing laws rigorously can we hope to give every child the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to society as empowered individuals. The nation’s future depends on it.
The writer is a BSS student in the Department of Public Administration, Comilla University, and a member of the Social Research Group (SRG), Bangladesh. This is a work in progress.
