| dc.description.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Despite significant legal reforms, including the replacement of the outdated Children Act, 1974,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. | en_US |
