Challenges Faced by Juveniles in The Juvenile Justice System of Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

This study explores the challenges faced by juveniles in the juvenile justice system of Bangladesh, primarily focused on three institutions, which are the police, the court, and correctional centers. Despite efforts to create a juvenile-friendly justice system, this study identifies major gaps in its implementation. As a result, juveniles often experience arbitrary detention, mistreatment by law enforcement agencies (police), delays in court proceedings, and do not receive adequate rehabilitation facilities in correctional centers. The study follows a qualitative data collection method, including semi-structured interviews with juveniles and probation officers across two major Child Development Centers in Gazipur. The data were analyzed by using a theme-based narrative analysis approach, and this analysis technique helped to identify the recurring patterns, challenges, and institutional failures. Key findings of this study show that juvenile offenders frequently faced physical and psychological abuse, a lack of legal representation, and delays in their trials. This study also highlights that juveniles are facing some major problems in correctional centers, such as overcrowding, poor healthcare, unsatisfactory educational service, a lack of gender-sensitive environments, and a lack of resources. The study emphasizes the urgent need for child-sensitive reforms within the justice system, including improved training for justice actors, accessible legal aid services, and investment in rehabilitative infrastructure. This study is intended to support policymakers, legal professionals, and social workers in building a more effective, child-sensitive juvenile justice system.