Bring the street children on the right path

A recent report sheds light on the dire conditions faced by street children, revealing alarming statistics: 41 percent lack sleeping beds, 84 percent go without warm clothes, 54 percent lack nursing care, and 75percent cannot access medical assistance when sick. Additionally, 44 percent are addicted to smoking, 40 percent do not bathe daily, and 35percent lack access to toilet facilities. Furthermore, 51percent experience scolding, 20 percent endure physical torture, and 14.5percent of street girls face sexual harassment.

Upon evaluating these reports, several concerning aspects come to the forefront. Firstly, there is a noticeable increase in the number of children without any form of parental or state care. Secondly, the level of neglect they endure is absolute and inconceivable, contradicting the universal objective of safeguarding vulnerable and dependent children in all human societies. Finally, it becomes apparent that institutional care must not only exist but also increase to effectively rehabilitate these children.

In the past, the government of Bangladesh initiated a commendable effort in the 1980s to establish facilities for the proper upbringing and care of street children. This initiative encompassed education, housing, and gradual support for their overall well-being. Unfortunately, the project dwindled after changes in government during the 1990s due to a lack of sustained interest.

Continuing this project could significantly contribute to addressing a serious socio-economic problem. Rootless children, growing up unloved and uncared for, often fall victim to crime, antisocial activities, drug addiction, and other vices. They are frequently associated with negative activities such as bomb blasts, terrorism, and theft. However, a different and positive outcome is conceivable if systematic and progressive measures are taken over the years to rehabilitate these children, transforming them into normal and productive individuals.

There is no reason why the government cannot revive this project with vigor. With active government support, it is plausible that many individuals and organisations would enthusiastically contribute to a noble endeavour aimed at assisting these children. Establishing a visible institutional mechanism under the government’s auspices to channel assistance for these children is crucial. The government simply needs to resurrect the past programme, leveraging existing infrastructure built in the 1980s, such as school buildings for street children, which can be repurposed to provide additional forms of support. The key requirement is the political will to restart and gradually strengthen the programme, reclaiming and recovering all past facilities developed for this noble cause.