| dc.description.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. | en_US |
