Exploring the Educational and Health Condition of Street Children: A Case Study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Exploring the Educational and Health Condition of Street Children: A Case Study in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Md. Easin^1*, Rajib Chandra Das²

Department of Public Administration CCN University of Science & Technology, Cumilla, Bangladesh.

^*Corresponding author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90300354

Received: 11 March 2025; Accepted: 18 March 2025; Published: 21 April 2025

ABSTRACT

Street life is challenging to survive, even for adults, and is yet more difficult for children. They live within the city but cannot benefit from the comforts of city life. This study focused primarily on finding out the present health and educational conditions of street children aged six to seventeen in three areas in Dhaka city. Specifically, we are from some busiest transportation areas, such as Kamalapur Railway Station, Sydabad Bus Terminal, and Shadarghat Launch Terminal etc. This paper was made through the interview schedule using a semi-structured questionnaire method. A few case studies might be recorded based on real-life stories of street children. This research has been conducted through qualitative and quantitative research methods. This research may help initiate governmental policy regarding solving the inexpressible plights of street children. Government and NGOs should enhance their support, love, and belonging to street children in Bangladesh to meet their basic physiological needs.

Keywords: Street children, Street life, Health condition, Educational conditions, Dhaka, Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION

Population is an essential asset of a country. However, overpopulation is considered a curse. Due to overpopulation, the government cannot afford to provide food, education, health, and other demanded facilities. According to the Malthusian theory of population, it is the number one problem in developing and underdeveloped countries, which is an excellent barrier to development, happiness, and prosperity. In Dhaka, about one-fourth of the population is slum dwellers. The number of children living on the streets is rapidly increasing and is far higher now than it was even a few years ago. This problem has primarily arisen in Dhaka due to internal migration and people looking for work. Therefore, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to put a precise number on the number of youngsters living on the streets. In 2015, 1.5 million children were living on the streets, and by 2024, that number is projected to increase to 1.56 million, according to the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). Even for adults, surviving on the streets is a challenge, yet it’s still more so for kids (BIDS, 2015). Nawaz (2011) defines street children as individuals under 18 who reside on the streets or spend a portion of their daytime on the streets to generate income. Street children can be classified into four types as follows: Children aged 18 and under who reside on the streets continuously without families; Children aged 18 and under who engage in street work and return to others at night; Children aged 18 and under who work or live on the streets with their families; and Children aged 18 and under who work or live on the streets and return to their families (Nawaz, M, 2011). Street children reside in the city yet cannot benefit from the amenities of urban existence. This study concentrated on the accessibility of health and educational services for street children under 18 years of age in three regions of Dhaka city.

Statement of the Problem

Bangladesh is a small country, yet it boasts a substantial population. Approximately 150 million individuals inhabit this compact nation, which spans a total land area of 147,610 square kilometers. This results in a remarkable population density of about 1,000 people per square kilometer. Dhaka, the capital city, ranks among the most densely populated regions globally, with a staggering density of 23,234 individuals per square kilometer across 300 square kilometers. Situated in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River, Dhaka is a city characterized by its diversity. It holds the title of the most populated city in Bangladesh and is also recognized as one of the most populous cities worldwide. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the population of the Greater Dhaka Area was approximately 18.237 million in 2016. By 2024, this figure had risen to over 23.9 million residents in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area (Wikipedia contributors, 2024). Projections suggest that by 2030, Dhaka’s population may reach approximately 27.3 million (The Financial Express, 2019).

While most children consume meals at least twice a day, concerns regarding food safety are considered significant. Several children retrieve their meals from a public waste receptacle. The absence of proper sanitation and hygiene poses a considerable health risk for street children. Approximately fifty percent of them utilize various public locations for bathing. A significant number of street children indicated the utilization of public toilets. Children in the street are also deprived of adequate support, care, protection, rehabilitation, and recovery. The increase in dropout rates during the primary school years can be attributed to this reason. Street children often face significant challenges in accessing vital resources and support systems. A study examining sanitation and hygiene practices among street children in Nepal indicated that while many children utilize public bathing facilities, female street children face unique challenges stemming from societal expectations (Kunwar, 2022).

On the contrary, despite our constitution and current educational policy mandating mandatory and free schooling for all, numerous youngsters lack opportunities for admission into elementary school. Consequently, there exists an inescapable risk of altering behavioral disorders, including sleep disturbances, aggression, hyperactivity, shyness, and withdrawal, as well as mental challenges such as depression, anxiety, melancholy, low self-esteem, and self-injurious behaviors (e.g., scratching, head-banging, punching).

Rationale of the Study

Bangladesh’s Constitution and the government’s MGD have established the fundamental right to education for every child residing in Bangladesh, particularly emphasizing primary education. The youth residing on the streets are deprived of fundamental educational opportunities. Many people are denied their essential educational rights for many reasons. The absence of awareness among parents lacking literacy concerning educational opportunities has resulted in many children not attending school. The detrimental impact of child labor on school attendance and academic performance is evident, as children often prioritize work over their education (ResearchGate, 2009).

In Bangladesh, there exists a population of 979,728 children residing on the streets, all within the age range of 5 to 17 years. These young individuals are commonly referred to as street-connected children, children in street situations, or street children (UNICEF, 2022). The investigation into the nutritional requirements of street children in the Shahbagh area of Dhaka City indicated that 86.7% of participants engaged in handwashing prior to meals; however, 60.8% reported experiencing illnesses in the three months leading up to the study (Talukder et al., 2015). In 2015, a collective of 195 nations reached a consensus with the United Nations regarding their potential to enhance global conditions. The Sustainable Development Goals will be realized through the collaborative efforts of governments, businesses, media, higher education institutions, and local NGOs, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens by the year 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals encompass 17 overarching objectives and 169 distinct targets. The primary objective of the Sustainable Development Goals is the eradication of poverty, followed by the elimination of hunger. The fourth goal emphasizes the provision of quality education, while the sixth focuses on enhancing access to clean water and sanitation.

Lastly, the tenth goal aims to diminish inequality. Consequently, one can deduce the significance of forming a comprehensive understanding of the current circumstances surrounding the educational, health, and socio-economic conditions of street children in Dhaka city.

The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is articulated in part 2, article 17, which pertains to “Free and compulsory education.” Furthermore, it articulates that the state is to implement effective strategies for establishing a cohesive, accessible, and universal educational framework, ensuring that mandatory and free schooling is provided to all children up to a legally defined stage. This framework aims to align education with societal needs and cultivate well-trained, motivated citizens capable of fulfilling those needs while also addressing the eradication of illiteracy within a legally specified timeframe.

Conversely, the “Bangladesh National Health Policy 2011” encapsulates a robust health care policy in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh National Health Policy 2011 seeks to guarantee the accessibility of primary health care and emergency services for everyone while ensuring that quality healthcare is provided equitably to all individuals. Broaden the scope of quality healthcare services while fostering an increased demand within the community, all while upholding rights and dignity. The research conducted on the prevalence of malnutrition and health practices among homeless children indicated that almost a third of this vulnerable population was dehydrated, with around 60.42% categorized as underweight. Islam, M. R. (2016).

A 2018 survey published in The Times of India (TOI) indicated that the nation was deemed “the most dangerous country in the world for women” (Canton, 2018). In 2011, the identical survey ranked India fourth while Pakistan was third. The rankings reflect the widespread occurrence of gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic violence in certain South Asian nations. When a nation presents dangers for women, it follows that it poses significant risks to its most vulnerable members: children, particularly girls, and minors who find themselves living on the streets. This paper contends that addressing the issue of street children in South Asia requires more than merely reallocating resources to mitigate poverty rates, as such approaches fail to consider the significant impact of domestic violence in the region.

This article derives understanding from a comprehensive qualitative study focused on the income-generating activities (IGAs) of Bangladeshi street children within the informal economy.

The research further examined the experiences of street children concerning violations of human rights within the informal economy, as well as the characteristics of their employment, encompassing risks associated with their work, instances of abuse, and exploitation. The study’s findings reveal that the circumstances encountered by street children engaged in income-generating activities consistently infringe upon their fundamental human rights. To safeguard these at-risk children, we must implement policy and program interventions without delay, alongside the rigorous enforcement of human rights frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Many scholars have meticulously examined and scrutinized an extensive array of data variables about street children in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Nevertheless, a few academics have articulated detailed data analysis, revealing a disconnect between theoretical frameworks and practical applications within education and healthcare. Consequently, we aim to investigate and create a clear, comprehensible document that may serve as a preferred resource for understanding the current and real circumstances surrounding street children’s educational and health conditions in certain regions.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

General Objective: The study’s main objective is to identify the present educational and health conditions of street children in selected areas of Dhaka.

Specific Objectives: The specific objectives of the study are-

• To measure the socio-economic status of street children.
• To identify several types of educational barriers for street children.
• To identify the nutritional deficiency-related diseases those street children have suffered.
• To prescribe some recommendations for improving the street children’s educational and health conditions.

LIMITATIONS

The study may be conducted through some obstacles and constraints. Some of the limitations are-

• Data constraint: There will be a lack of adequate data due to insufficient respondents in three specific places in Dhaka city. Data collection from the respondents was tough because most respondents could not respond properly.
• Time constraints: Due to time constraints, the researcher had to collect data on holidays or during respondents’ work hours, resulting in communication gaps with the selected participants. There was also a shortage of time to conduct the research process, including preparing the research proposal, collecting data, analyzing data, and writing the report.
• Budgetary constraint: It will be an academic purposive research monograph. Therefore, no sponsor will be funded for this research process. All activities related to research will be conducted by own finance.
• Sample size: Because of finance and time constraints, the research will have a small sample size. The study area was Dhaka, the most complex city in the country. We could not collect data from Dhaka because time, funds, and other resources are limited.

Conceptual Framework

Street children lack access to their essential needs. Due to parental chaos, severe economic hardship, riverside erosion, maltreatment by a stepparent, or betrayal by others, children migrate to Dhaka from various regions of the country in search of survival. Considering the challenges faced by street children, one can identify various dependent and independent variables.

Figure 1: Conceptual framework made by the Authors

LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE STUDY

The current study examines the health and educational circumstances of children living on the streets in the context of previous studies. The present work connects to numerous prior investigations. The purpose of this discussion is to exclusively address research works or studies that are closely related to the subject matter.

Hai (2014) highlighted the challenges floating street children from severely impoverished families encountered in their quest for survival in Dhaka City. He also investigated the issues of street children. The street children interviewed in the focus group discussion predominantly belonged to the landless lower-class category, as indicated by housing conditions, income levels, dietary practices, education, and health status. The participants ranged in age from 5 to 18 years. The majority of respondents were on the streets without their parents. The majority were Muslims.

Afrose et al. (2018) identified some risk behaviors among street children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. They also mentioned some significant issues confronting street children. They hypothesized that street children are extremely vulnerable in terms of health needs and healthcare-seeking behaviors. So, both the public and private sectors must take appropriate steps to provide services for common physical ailments, reproductive health education, and STD/HIV/AIDS awareness and surveillance. The vast majority of responders could remember the names and addresses of their parents. They concluded that when it comes to healthcare needs and seeking, youngsters living on the streets are highly susceptible.

Rahman (2012) identified and listed as typical for children living on the streets. Along with the usual way of life for kids living on the streets, he also had some suggestions. In their 2006 study, Rahman and Chowdhury looked at chronic malnutrition in children under five in Bangladesh and how various demographic, socioeconomic, and other factors affected it.

Talukdar et al. (2015) tried to find out the actual malnutrition issues of street children and their BMI (body mass index) level at the Shahbagh area, adjacent to Dhaka University. Atkinson (February 2017) stated the scenario of street children in Bangladesh, specifically in Dhaka City. The author also identified some reasons for being involved in the criminal activities of street children.

Hakim and Kamruzzaman (August 2015) also tried to determine the nutritional situation of street children by examining their body weight, height, food habits, and health hygiene in the Tangail district outside Dhaka city.

Chowdhury et al. (2017) identified the living conditions of street children’s parents and their level of education, health, and money earned. Nawaz (2011) defined street children and their vulnerability and described Bangladesh’s legal and educational policy.

Mia and M. Islam (2021) described different types of street children and their difficulties. He also discussed several international and national legal bounds related to children’s rights. They also discussed several barriers to street children that hinder pre-schooling.

Uddin et al. (2014) investigated and supervised their (street children) activities and tried to understand how they were affected by several transmitted diseases, particularly HIV. The study revealed that the street children of Bangladesh face significant vulnerability to HIV. Immediate action from policy-makers is essential to develop and execute services that tackle issues concerning circumstances in society, genital health, and addiction to drugs to avert a potential HIV epidemic within this population group.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Primary data was collected via surveys and interviews with street children to evaluate their perceptions. Secondary data was acquired from governmental studies, policy documents, and pertinent literature.

Data collection method:

Data collection was conducted through the interview schedule using a semi-structured questionnaire. A few case studies have also been recorded based on real-life stories of street children.

Type of research:

There are several research methods, such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, which are both qualitative and quantitative. This research has been conducted through qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Sources of data

Data have been gathered by interviewing street children and using questionnaires. Hence, many scholars have already published many articles. My data collection process has been conducted using primary and secondary sources of data.

Sample size

The case study sample size was not more than five children. In terms of the overall data collection process, the sample wasn’t more than 30 children, and this data was collected using purposive sampling and convenience sampling methods.

Data analysis tools

Data have been analyzed using several tools and methods. SPSS, analysis software, was applied during the data analysis phase. In addition to SPSS, MS Excel and MS Word have been used to provide various graphs, charts, and information.

Research Timeframe

The timeframe of this research is June 2024 to October 2024. A Gantt chart of this research timeline is also included below-

Figure 2: Timeframe of the study

Area of the Study: This study was conducted based on street children from some specific areas in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Like major transportation areas such as the Shadarghat Launch Terminal in Dhaka, that is the most significant launch terminal in Bangladesh. Not only in Bangladesh it is one of the largest river ports in the world—the highest passenger launch terminal in Bangladesh. Kamalapur Railway Station serves as the biggest railway station in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is the largest station in the nation and the primary terminus for transit between Dhaka and the rest of Bangladesh. Sydabad Bus Terminal is one of the biggest bus terminals in Dhaka city, especially for passengers in the eastern-south part of the country. Data also collected from major gathering areas such as New Market, Gulistan, Mirpur etc.

DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

In this section, we investigate the information gathered about street children’s health, educational, and demographic characteristics. The demographic profile of the participants, which includes important details like age, gender, family history, and length of time living on the streets, is the main focus of the first section of the analysis. The analysis’s second section explores street children’s educational circumstances. Even though education can lift people out of poverty, numerous street kids encounter significant obstacles when trying to enroll in formal education. The increasing number of common diseases, access to medical services, and the psychological and physical problems that street children face are the main topics of the third section, which also discusses their health conditions. The study hopes to shed more light on street children’s health and educational difficulties by examining these areas.

Profile of the Respondents’ Demographics

This demographic data is essential for comprehending street children’s experiences and setting the scene for examining their health and educational circumstances.

Table 1: Gender of the respondents

Table 1 represents the number of street children who have informed me and participated in my research paper as a respondent. The table also shows that the total number of respondents is 30. Among them, female respondents are 30, and the rest 20 respondents are male.

The figure 3 shows the age limit for street children aged 6 to 17. Among them, 50% of respondents are children 10- to 13 years old, the highest percentage of respondents. Another 30% of respondents are 14 to 17-year-old street children, the second highest of participants. The rest 20% of respondents are 6- to 9-year-old street children

Figure 3: Age of the Respondents

The figure 4 shows 53% respondents are female and 47% respondents are male. It ensured the effective participation of female street children in this research paper.

Figure 4: Gender of the respondents

Educational Conditions of Street Children

The analysis will look into factors like enrollment in school, reasons for dropping out of school, and access to substitute educational opportunities provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Table 2: Enrollment in school

Table 2 indicates that 65% of respondents are enrolled in school (19 out of 30), whereas 35% are not (11 out of 30). This category encompasses children enrolled in school but exhibiting inconsistent attendance due to financial constraints (inability to afford tuition, textbooks, or transportation) and familial responsibilities (e.g., engaging in street work to support their families).

This figure 5 shows that almost 44 kinds of answers have been collected from 30 respondents. 27% answered that they were getting an education advantage, 11% were ignorant, and 62% responded that they were of their financial problem. It is the highest percentage value as a reason for not going to school or any other educational institutions.

Figure 5: Reason of drop out from school

Table-3: Reading & Writing Status

Table 3 shows the reading and writing conditions of street children in Dhaka city. Twenty-four children out of thirty cannot read or write, and only six can read or write or both. Therefore, 80% of street children have no capability to write or read. The rest, 20%, do.

Health conditions of street children

Street children are frequently exposed to harsh conditions that increase their susceptibility to illness, but many do not have the resources to get necessary medical care. This part will also look at the role of both organizations and people in providing medical care support and the challenges of meeting these children’s ongoing health needs.

Figure 6 shows that the highest number of street children sleep at shelter, home, and street level, respectively. Almost half of the street children sleep at railway or bus stations, more than one-fourth under the flyover, and 10% and 6.66% of street children sleep in vehicles and slums, respectively.  6.66% of street children have no fixed place to sleep at night.

Figure 6: Percentage of sleeping place at night of street children

It has been seen from Figure 7 that the highest number of street children sleep at shelter, home, and street levels, respectively. Among 30 street children, 15 sleep at several stations, such as railway stations, launch terminals, and bus terminals. There is also some non-avoidable information that has been collected, such as eight children

Figure 7: Sleeping place of street children

usually sleep at night under the flyover, three children sleep on several types of vehicles, 2 street children in slums, and two children have no fixed place to sleep at night.

Table 4: Hand cleaning materials of street children

Table 4 represents the level of health hygiene of street children by washing hands. Almost 83.33% of street children (25 respondents) wash their hands with only water, and only 16.66% (5 respondents) wash with soap and water. Street children who live on pavements take showers when they happen to be around the source of supply water and if they get a chance. Such a chance comes once or twice a week and is termed irregular. Some children’s regulators take baths in ponds, in different daycare centers, and slums. In some cases, Beneficiary children have the opportunity to bathe almost regularly in some of the DICs.

Figure 8 shows that 18 out of 30 street children are taking the drugs regularly or irregularly, and 12 out of 30 children aren’t used to taking the pills. Therefore, 60% of street children are used to taking drugs, and the rest of the 40% are not.

Figure 8: Drug taken by street children

Table-5 Diseases affected by street children

Table 5 represents the level of affected diseases by street children. Among 30 street children, 4, 5, and 9 are affected by asthma, influenza, and diarrhea. The rest of the 12 children have no disease record.

Figure 9 shows the percentage of diseases street children affected the most. 60% of street children have any of one disease. Among them, 13.3% were affected by asthma, 16.7% were affected by influenza, and 30% of children were affected by diarrhea.

Figure 9: Percentage of affected diseases

Table-6: Sources of drinking water

Table 6 represents the sources of drinking water for street children. Almost half of the answers (51.33%) were public tape as a primary source of drinking water for street children; 19 respondents chose public tape as their answer. 21% and 27% of the answers were their drinking water sources from tube wells and no fixed sources, respectively. A total of 37 answers were collected from this question.

Most respondents utilize supplied water and additional sources such as street-side restaurants, tea stalls, and shops. Beneficiary children can consume beverages and bathe at the drop-in centers (DICs). Other respondents utilize ponds and river water for bathing and laundering garments. Typically, the fee for bathing in a public tub, referred to locally as a house, is 2/3 TK per bucket of water. In impoverished neighborhoods, residents encounter significant challenges, particularly during the summer months, in obtaining potable water. One respondent notably stated, “Consequently, children from the slums at that time sought out the WASA pipeline, created a hole in it, and collected water discreetly.

Table-7: Eating times of street children in a day

Table 7 provides information about street children’s eating times during the day. There are 43 answers in this table. Among them, 53.35% of street children’s answers depend on their food collected from various sources. 35% of street children’s answers were that they eat at least two times, which might be considered a satisfactory level of food need. However, 4.65% of street children’s answers were one-time only. Only 7% of answers were three times eating regularly.

The children’s food choices are determined by their particular circumstances. Most street children consume rice once or twice daily, contingent upon their financial resources. Puffed rice and roadside bread or cake are consumed as Tiffin in the morning. Occasionally, they dine at significantly reduced prices in roadside open-air restaurants near the pavements and footpaths. Street children cannot earn subsistence on discarded food from hotels, community centers, and urban residents. The majority of respondents consume food twice daily. Beneficiary children in certain DICs can obtain food for a nominal fee. Nonetheless, they are also provided with snacks at various intervals. However, for most street children, access to food is tenuous. In certain severe instances, some street children must endure a day with minimal or no sustenance whatsoever. Their food collection sources differ. They experience a precarious subsistence.

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

Here are the key findings based on the data analysis and observation of the study.

• Increasing Numbers of Street Children: The population of street children is consistently rising, indicating an urgent need for action. Rehabilitation centers are substantially deficient in addressing their demands. Establishing additional rehabilitation centers, especially those that are gender-segregated, is essential for delivering the requisite services for their welfare.
• Inaccessibility to education: Street children are deprived of general and technical education. It has resulted in their exclusion from official educational systems, impeding their capacity to escape the cycle of poverty. An organized, life-focused education that integrates academic and vocational skills is crucial for preparing students for a sustainable future.
• Familial Disjunction: Many street children are estranged from their families and, in certain instances, are unaware of their home addresses. Initiatives to reunite street children with their families are insufficient. Reunification activities are crucial for providing children with a secure environment to develop and flourish.
• Poverty:  Extreme poverty has been recognized as a primary factor contributing to the rise of street children. This economic adversity compels numerous children to take to the streets for survival. Government initiatives for poverty alleviation are essential for tackling the fundamental roots of this issue.
• Abuse and Mistreatment: Street children frequently endure physical and psychological abuse, including exploitation by law enforcement and criminals. There is a distinct necessity for legal safeguards and law enforcement changes to guarantee that street children are treated with decency and respect. Appropriate legislation and protections must be established to shield them against exploitation.
• Unstable environments: Numerous street children originate from dysfunctional households or abusive settings, with socio-economic instability as a significant contributing element. It is essential to identify and address the underlying causes of children being homeless. A multi-sectorial strategy is crucial to address family disintegration, domestic violence, and poverty, ensuring children have safer and more stable settings.
• Absence of Employment: Street children, particularly those striving for survival, frequently lack the competencies necessary for formal employment. Vocational training and skill development initiatives are essential for future success. Furthermore, organizations and enterprises employing street children must offer equitable salaries and working conditions to guarantee fair treatment.
• Gender Inequities in Street Child Initiatives: Female Street children encounter exacerbated problems and frequently suffer from neglect within rehabilitation programs. It is imperative to offer specialized assistance and equitable chances for female street children, guaranteeing they receive equivalent care and attention as their male peers.

RECOMMENDATION

A significant population of street children resides in Dhaka. They are denied essential human rights, including health, nutrition, education, and shelter. Individuals migrate to Dhaka city due to familial disintegration, extreme poverty, natural calamities, and similar factors. The population of street children is growing daily. Their basic needs are not met, although some people are deprived of them in various ways. To address the existing findings, the researcher provided several recommendations, which are as follows:

• The number of street children is on the rise. This rate must be reduced, and appropriate measures must be taken to rehabilitate the current street children in the city. Boost the number of rehabilitation centers in the city. The female child will be separated from the male child in the center.
• Ensure that street children receive a life-oriented education that combines general and technical-based education as a result of the Government and NGO’s initiative. Ensure the proper organization of the rehabilitated child’s food, clothing, education, health care facility, and recreational facility.
• A significant number of street children are estranged from their families. The majority are unaware of their residential addresses. It is an initiative to locate their family members and facilitate rehabilitation.
• Extreme poverty is a primary contributor to the prevalence of street children and various child-related issues. It is imperative to validate the Government’s strategy and program for poverty alleviation.
• Research indicates that street children are mentally and physically deprived by law enforcement and muggers. It is imperative to establish appropriate legislation to address this issue.
• Identify and address the issues affecting street children. Multi-sectorial approaches such as social services, financial assistance, and education should be implemented.
• Street children receive technical and human development training to help them survive. If individuals or organizations recruit them, they will be adequately compensated.
• Girls’ children are disproportionately disadvantaged in any street child-related program. It is critical to ensure the proper.

CONCLUSION

Street children are particularly underprivileged among the urban population in Dhaka city. They subsist by repurposing waste, soliciting alms, or performing miscellaneous tasks that provide sustenance. Children’s rights are frequently disregarded and, in severe cases, violated due to apathy, economic exploitation, and sexual and physical abuse. This study’s findings indicate that street children are significantly susceptible regarding their health requirements and healthcare access. They are engaging in an unsanitary lifestyle. They are highly vulnerable to diseases and detrimental environmental factors, lacking support or direction for sustaining a balanced diet. Street children frequently encounter and have ready access to non-prescription substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and inhalants like glue or petrol. This substance is utilized to alleviate hunger, resulting in malnutrition. Street children endure significant suffering due to exploitation, harassment, and both physical and verbal abuse, including sexual abuse. Poverty compels individuals towards various anti-social and violent behaviors.

Bangladesh is a developing country. Bangladesh has achieved some educational, health, and economic achievements. But still, we are struggling to overcome some social-related problems. Still, the population is the problem in our country. Rural poverty, Natural Disasters, and Lack of job placement are the main problems in our country. Due to this social unrest, rural populations migrate to urban areas, resulting in the formation of slums and an increase in the number of street children who are raised in conditions of neglect and deprivation. Every child requires the experience of love during their upbringing. To address this issue, we must prioritize the poverty alleviation initiative. Street children from economically disadvantaged families also enhance and guarantee the effective execution of the social safety net program. The government of Bangladesh should implement a new initiative to help street children.

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