Juvenile Justice System in Bangladesh: A Critical Overview

Abstract

The juvenile justice system is a specialized framework within the broader criminal justice system designed to address the legal needs of children in conflict with the law. This thesis provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the juvenile justice system in Bangladesh, focusing on the legislative, institutional, and operational dimensions of child justice. It assesses the extent to which Bangladesh's current juvenile justice structure adheres to international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Beijing Rules, and the Riyadh Guidelines, while giving particular attention to the Children Act, 2013, which forms the core of the country’s juvenile justice legislation. Despite significant legal reforms, including the replacement of the outdated Children Act, 1974, with the more progressive Children Act, 2013, practical enforcement of juvenile justice remains weak. The thesis identifies major shortcomings such as the limited number of functional juvenile courts, lack of trained judges and law enforcement officers, overcrowded and under-resourced detention facilities, and a general absence of community-based diversion programs. Juveniles are often detained alongside adults, subjected to rights violations, and denied access to legal aid or psychological support. The lack of awareness among stakeholders, including families and communities, further exacerbates these challenges, limiting the rehabilitative potential of the juvenile justice system. A critical component of this research is the comparative analysis of juvenile justice systems in India and Sri Lanka. Both countries demonstrate how robust institutional frameworks, diversion programs, and restorative justice practices can improve outcomes for children in conflict with the law. India’s Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Sri Lanka’s emphasis on non-custodial measures offer practical lessons for Bangladesh. The research underscores that legal reform alone is insufficient without adequate implementation mechanisms, trained personnel, and strong monitoring and evaluation systems. The study employs a qualitative methodology that integrates doctrinal analysis of legal texts with review of empirical studies, official reports, and academic literature. It provides evidence-based insights into the legal gaps, enforcement challenges, and institutional deficiencies hindering the delivery of juvenile justice in Bangladesh. Key recommendations include expanding the network of child-friendly courts to all districts, enhancing legal aid services, increasing the number of trained probation officers, investing in vocational training programs, and fostering public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma against juvenile offenders. Ultimately, this thesis argues that a child-friendly and rights-based juvenile justice system is essential for the reintegration and rehabilitation of young offenders. By adopting international best practices, investing in institutional reform, and promoting a culture of child rights, Bangladesh can strengthen its juvenile justice system and ensure justice, dignity, and social inclusion for all children. The successful implementation of such a system will not only safeguard children’s rights but also contribute to a more just, humane, and inclusive society.