Juvenile Delinquency in Bangladesh : Reason, Justice and Solution

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency has emerged as a significant social and legal concern in Bangladesh, with increasing numbers of children and adolescents becoming involved in criminal activities such as theft, drug use, sexual violence, and gang affiliation. This research monograph aims to explore the root causes behind juvenile delinquency, assess the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system—particularly under the Children Act 2013—and propose viable solutions for prevention and rehabilitation. Drawing upon existing literature, legal frameworks, and secondary data, the study identifies poverty, family disintegration, peer influence, lack of education, and ineffective institutional mechanisms as major contributors to youth crime. While Bangladesh has made efforts to align its juvenile justice policies with international standards such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), implementation remains inconsistent and under-resourced. The monograph concludes by recommending a multi-stakeholder approach involving legal reform, community engagement, education, psychological counseling, and capacity building within law enforcement and social services to address the problem holistically. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on child rights and justice in Bangladesh and calls for urgent action to protect and rehabilitate vulnerable youth.