Street children in Dhaka

Dhaka city is home to a growing number of street children-boys and girls who have no home, no safe place to stay, and often no family care. Every day, they sleep on footpaths, scavenge for food, beg, or do small jobs just to survive. Their lives are filled with hardship, uncertainty and constant struggle for basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Several factors contribute to this alarming situation. Poverty in villages, broken families, domestic violence, and the loss of parents force many children onto the streets.
Some are abandoned by their families, while others run away to the city, hoping for a better life, only to encounter harsh realities. Lacking proper care and education, many fall into bad company, start using drugs or suffer from untreated illnesses. Such circumstances rob them of a safe childhood and make their future extremely uncertain.
Addressing this issue requires a coordinated and sustained effort. The government, non-governmental organisations, and civil society must work together to provide safe shelters, nutritious food, rehabilitation centres, and access to education and healthcare. Vocational training programmes could also help older street children acquire skills to earn a living independently. Society as a whole bears responsibility; mere pity is not enough. Active engagement, support and awareness campaigns are essential to change public perception and encourage action.
If Dhaka aspires to be a modern and developed city, it cannot ignore the plight of its street children. With proper guidance, protection and opportunities for education and skill development, these children can grow into responsible, productive citizens and contribute meaningfully to the nation. By investing in their well-being today, the city will secure a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Arshie Akter Sunny
Mass Communication and Journalism
Jagannath University, Dhaka