Bridging the Policy-Practice Gap: Understanding the Implementation Crisis of Child Labor Policies in Bangladesh

Le résumé fourni par la source

Child labor constitutes one of the most pressing social issues not only in Bangladesh but across the globe, fundamentally undermining the rights and well-being of children. In Bangladesh, a confluence of socioeconomic conditions, entrenched cultural norms, and systemic exploitation compels millions of children to work in hazardous environments. Although Bangladesh has developed a substantial body of child labor policies aligned with international standards, the persistently high number of child laborers remains virtually unchanged over time. This study seeks to bridge the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation of international child labor policies in addressing the circumstances of working children in Bangladesh. A qualitative research design was employed to collect primary data from Khulna district. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guideline. A multistage sampling strategy, encompassing expert sampling and respondent-assisted sampling, was utilized to select diverse stakeholders (six key informants), including policymakers, child labor experts, and NGO representatives. The data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis to derive meaningful insights. The findings indicate that several interrelated factors including poverty, lack of awareness, and prevailing social and cultural attitudes serve as the primary drivers of children working in hazardous conditions in Bangladesh. Inadequate monitoring, weak penalties, and a scarcity of resources impede the effective implementation of existing legal regulations, while the absence of meaningful rehabilitation initiatives ensures that these children remain perpetually vulnerable. In light of these challenges, this study recommends the adoption of comprehensive and integrated approaches including stronger enforcement mechanisms, economic support for vulnerable families, effective rehabilitation programs, and cultural transformation to combat child labor in the Bangladeshi context.

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