Child poverty in Bangladesh refers to the deprivation experienced by children due to low family income , restricting their access to basic needs such as food, clean water, healthcare, education, and housing. It goes beyond simple financial hardship to encompass social exclusion, lack of emotional support, and limited development opportunities. Many children grow up in precarious conditions with limited access to quality services, which hinders their physical, mental, and emotional development. This multidimensional poverty traps them in a cycle of disadvantage from an early age.
In 2025, child poverty in Bangladesh remains a major problem. According to a recent study conducted by the General Economics Division , the national child poverty rate is 16.49 % , with a higher rate of 20. 15 % in rural areas compared to 8.22 % in urban areas . Rangpur Division has the highest rate at 29.99 % , while Dhaka has the lowest figure at 9.45 % . Additionally , 46 % of children live in multidimensional poverty , lacking essential services such as health and education . Worryingly, one in five children under the age of five face severe food poverty, consuming only one or two food groups a day , increasing their risk of malnutrition.
In Bangladesh, poverty is a major obstacle to children's access to quality education . Many families cannot afford school fees , uniforms , or school supplies , forcing children to drop out early or never enroll . In rural areas and slums , schools are frequently understaffed and poorly equipped . Rural and slum areas , schools are often understaffed and poorly equipped . Furthermore , children from disadvantaged families are often forced to work , reducing their availability for study . This educational exclusion deprives them of essential skills , perpetuating the cycle of poverty and limiting future advancement prospects.
Children living in poverty in Bangladesh are often forced to work to support their families . They work in hazardous sectors such as brick factories , garment factories , and agriculture , often for long periods of time and for minimal pay . This exploitation deprives them of education , harms their physical and mental health and makes them vulnerable to abuse . Child labor not only hinders their development , but also traps them in a cycle of poverty , denying them the opportunity for a better , more dignified future.
Poverty in Bangladesh has a significant impact on children's health and nutrition . Many families cannot afford a balanced diet , leading to widespread malnutrition , stunted growth and underweight . Disadvantaged children are frequently deprived of access to clean water , adequate sanitation and basic health care , making them particularly vulnerable to infections and chronic diseases . Inappropriate medical treatment and delayed diagnosis further worsen their condition . This constant neglect of health compromises their physical and cognitive development , thus reducing their ability to learn and thrive in later life.
Children living in poverty in Bangladesh are often raised in overcrowded slums characterized by poor housing , lack of adequate sanitation , and limited access to clean water . These circumstances make them susceptible to diseases such as diarrhea , respiratory infections and skin problems . Overcrowding also impacts their mental well - being , increasing stress and emotional instability . The lack of safe play spaces , adequate ventilation , and privacy also hinders healthy development . Such environments promote health risks and psychological distress , hampering a child's growth and future potential.
Poverty exposes children to constant stress , neglect , and sometimes even abuse , which profoundly impacts their psychological well - being . Living with uncertainty and deprivation can lead to anxiety , depression , and low self - esteem . Many disadvantaged children feel powerless and marginalized , which harms their emotional development and self - esteem . Without support or a caring environment , these mental health problems can persist into adulthood , hindering their ability to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Children born into poverty in Bangladesh often find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty . Lack of access to quality education , healthcare and social support leads them to grow up with limited skills and opportunities . Many children who are forced into child labor or early marriage , further hampering their development . As adults , they struggle to secure stable employment or improve their quality of life , passing the same challenges on to their children and perpetuating the cycle of poverty from generation to generation.
Poverty in Bangladesh has a disproportionate effect on girls , reinforcing gender inequalities . Families facing financial difficulties tend to prioritize the education of boys , leading to a higher dropout rate among girls . A large number of girls are forced to do household chores from a young age , which hinders their learning and leisure activities . Poverty also breeds child marriage , putting girls at risk of early pregnancy and health risks . These factors severely limit their potential , reinforcing a cycle of gender inequality and long - term disadvantage.
To combat child poverty, Bangladesh has implemented various social protection measures , such as stipends and school meal programs . These actions have promoted school enrollment , primarily for girls , and also improved child nutrition . However , limited coverage , administrative inefficiencies , and fragmented program structures diminish their overall impact . A significant portion of the social protection budget is allocated to pensions , reducing the resources available for child - focused programs . To improve effectiveness , more precise targeting , simplified implementation , and increased funding for vulnerable children are essential.
NGOs and international organizations make a significant contribution to reducing child poverty in Bangladesh . BRAC operates 23,000 non - formal schools , and its graduation program for the ultra - poor helps families by providing them with goods , training , and financial support . Save the Children works to improve child health , education , and protection through various programs . UNICEF combats child food poverty by promoting access to healthy food and strengthening social safety nets . By working together , these organizations play a key role in empowering vulnerable communities and breaking the cycle of child poverty.
For breaking the cycle of child poverty in Bangladesh , it is crucial to increase investments in quality education and healthcare . Expanding social safety nets , especially for marginalized families , can provide immediate relief . Poverty reduction strategies must focus on skills development , job creation , and rural development . Furthermore , awareness campaigns should highlight children's rights and combat harmful practices such as child labor and early marriage to foster a more inclusive and caring environment for all children.
The writer is an LL.B. student, Department Of Law, World University of Bangladesh
