Child labor in Rajshahi City,Bangladesh: A survey based analysis

Abstract

Child labor is a sobering reality in a modern society, when it has been practiced over numerous decades and has led to such inhumane consequences for children. Due to poverty, poor family conditions, socio-economic fragility, phenomena like child labor have been observed globally. In terms of South Asian countries, in many instances it is a source of survival for poor families who have resorted to selling their offspring, or sending them to work, to survive. However, due to a dearth of research the full situation regarding child labor is not clear. This study, with its survey, aimed to provide more details about child labor in Rajshahi city in Bangladesh. A convenience sampling method of 40 children who work in several sectors in the city was selected, and a questionnaire administered to them. The participants socio-economic conditions, working environment, health impacts and other information were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was found that 62.5% of child workers had come into the working sector due to their family circumstances. It was also found that 60% of child laborers work about 8–14 hours daily and 45% reported that are physically abused at their workplace. Findings suggest policy makers, government, and NGO’s need to take collaborative endeavors to overcome this inhumane practice to achieves better condition for the children, which will also ensure a better future for the nation.