Juvenile Justice System in Bangladesh: A Critical Overview

Abstract

The juvenile justice system in Bangladesh occupies a critical space between ongoing domestic legal reforms and the country’s international human rights commitments. This thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolution, legal framework, and practical implementation of juvenile justice in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on the extent to which the rights of children in conflict with the law are protected. Using a blend of doctrinal and comparative legal methodologies, the study critically examines national statutes—most notably the Children Act, 2013—in light of international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Beijing Rules, and the Havana Rules. Rooted in colonial legacies and shaped by post-independence legal developments, Bangladesh’s current juvenile justice framework demonstrates a formal shift towards a more child-centric and reformative orientation. Nonetheless, significant institutional and procedural challenges remain. These include chronic delays in judicial proceedings, inadequate training for justice sector personnel, insufficient rehabilitation initiatives, and substandard conditions within detention centres—all of which undermine the protective intent of existing laws. The thesis explores these issues through the lens of both judicial precedent and administrative performance, referencing notable Bangladeshi case law and reports from entities such as the National Human Rights Commission and UNICEF. Comparative insights from jurisdictions like India and the United Kingdom are utilised to evaluate structural gaps and identify models of good practice. In conclusion, the thesis proposes targeted legislative, institutional, and community-based reforms to bridge the gap between policy and practice. These include the decentralisation of Children’s Courts, mandatory training for probation officers, wider application of diversion and restorative justice, and stronger inter-agency coordination. While Bangladesh has made notable strides at the legislative level, the findings underscore that genuine progress in juvenile justice demands sustained political will, institutional accountability, and a cultural shift towards rehabilitative justice.