Child Rights in Practice: Navigating Beyond Definitions of Child Labour in Bangladesh’s Legal Landscape

Abstract This study explores the intricate legal landscape that governs child labour in Bangladesh, tracing its historical roots to British colonial rule and highlighting the prevalence of conflicting definitions and provisions within the current legal system. Through qualitative research methods, including key informant interviews and in-depth interviews, this study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of child labour regulation in Bangladesh. The findings reveal discrepancies in understanding among stakeholders, and family members often citing poverty and illiteracy as barriers to understanding legal provisions. In contrast, employers demonstrate varying degrees of awareness, particularly following encounters with law enforcement agencies. Legal experts advocate for a universal definition of childhood in statutory law to address this complexity effectively. Furthermore, the study uncovers widespread ignorance and misinformation about the age verification process for child labourers, along with prevalent instances of document forgery and lenient age verification processes. Most importantly, the dynamics of the penalty system for child labour violations also reveal divergent perspectives among stakeholders, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms in statutory law, including amendments to definitions, implementation of stringent age verification processes, and increased penalty thresholds.