Peer-reviewed article
The Growing Crisis of Child Labour in Bangladesh: A Focus on the Vehicle Sector and Legal Frameworks
Md. Ahsun Habib, Sumaiya Akter Sumi ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examines the growth of child labour in Bangladesh's vehicle sector, particularly in Leguna, and analyzes why it is increasing. The research finds that child workers earn significantly less than adults and work almost entirely in informal employment. The study identifies poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic as key drivers and recommends policy changes involving government and NGO collaboration, alternative income programs, and better enforcement of existing child protection laws.
Key points
- Child labour in Bangladesh's vehicle sector has been growing, driven by poverty, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other obstacles
- Child workers in the transportation industry earn significantly lower wages than adult workers
- Nearly all child workers in this sector are employed informally
- There is a gap in the practical enforcement of child protection laws in Bangladesh
- Recommended solutions include government-NGO collaboration, alternative income opportunities, and awareness programs
Limitations
The document does not provide quantitative data on the scale of child labour, specific numbers of affected children, or comparative evidence on the effectiveness of proposed interventions. It lacks detailed information on the specific mechanisms driving the growth beyond brief mention of poverty and COVID-19.
Abstract
The primary objective of this paper is to analyse the underlying reasons for the increase in child labour within the local vehicle sector, particularly in Leguna, and to identify potential strategies for its prevention. Child labour represents a critical issue that demands urgent attention and action. This study highlights the growth of child labour in a developing nation such as Bangladesh and examines its multifaceted impact on society, including both its advantageous and adverse effects. The rise in child labour can be attributed to factors such as poverty, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various other obstacles. This research reveals that the earnings of child workers in Bangladesh’s transportation industry are significantly lower than those of adult workers, and nearly all children are employed informally. Herein, a policy change that involves equal collaboration between the government and NGOs, providing alternative income opportunities and awareness programs, would be ideal. This gap has been left open regarding the practical enforcement aspects of child laws in Bangladesh. It is recommended that administrative systems be held accountable for protecting rights and aligning judicial interpretation with modern times.