Bangladesh
Empowering Children Against Exploitation
A Focus on Bangladesh
Bangladesh, a rapidly growing economy, is one of the most densely populated countries in Asia. Children are also extremely vulnerable to and affected by sexual exploitation in child marriage, child trafficking and online environments. The country ranks low on gender equality with cases of discrimination against girls and young women.
We protect children and prevent child exploitation through child-led and community-based protection mechanisms. We raise awareness and advocate for policy changes and implementation of laws to tackle issues at the roots. We empower children and youth to speak up for their rights.
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Nazrul Islam
Country Director BangladeshAt Terre des Hommes Netherlands in Bangladesh, we work every day to ensure children are protected, heard, and empowered to shape their own futures with dignity and hope. It’s an honour to lead TdH NL in Bangladesh, where we stand alongside communities and partners to protect children from harm and support them to thrive.
Children in Bangladesh
- 42.1% of Bangladeshi children live below the poverty line.
- Approximately 4.4 million Bangladeshi children are engaged in child labor (agriculture, garment factories, brick kilns).
- 51% of women (20-24 years) were married before age 18; Early married girls face violence and sexual exploitation.
- Close to 34.87% of girls drop out of secondary school due to socio-economic constraints.
- 40% of Bangladeshi sex trafficking survivors exploited abroad are children; Bangladesh is a source, transit, and destination for child trafficking.
The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is primarily responsible for children’s issues in Bangladesh. They implement the National Child Policy to enforce child protection through key laws like the Children Act (2013), the Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929) and provisions in the Bangladesh Penal Code (1860).
Our Work in Bangladesh
We ensure the protection of children of readymade garment factory workers through a community and child-based protection mechanism.
We encourage the reporting and redressal of child exploitation cases and provide children access to safe learning spaces. We build capacities of garment factory workers, employees and other institutions to ensure a strong child protection mechanism.
We work to break harmful norms surrounding sexual health and reproductive rights through awareness campaigns often led by children through interactive methods comprising theatre and narrative sessions.
We advocate with and lobby the government for policy changes and stricter implementation of laws, and build capacities of government representatives and law enforcement authorities to strengthen their response to child protection.
Our Approach in Bangladesh
In 2024, our efforts directly engaged 1,913 children, 1,151 families and communities, and 348 private sector staff. Our advocacy also led to a strengthened commitment from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Commission and the Internet Service Provider Association of Bangladesh to filter sites with child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and implement a code of conduct.
Local governance structures were effectively institutionalised through the establishment of functional Community-Based Child Protection Committees at the ward level.
Community-Based Child Protection
We set up child protection forums and community-based child monitoring committees that comprise of children and community members to facilitate child protection by reporting cases along with case management.
Child-led awareness
We empower children to speak up and spread awareness on child protection and sexual and reproductive health through theatre, art, rallies and other community awareness activities. In 2024, a theatre group of 30 children conducted over 5 awareness campaigns to destigmatise sexual health and reproductive rights reaching 3000 community members.
Capacity Building
We organise sensitisation and training programmes for garment factory workers and their employers to build their capacity in responding to child protection. We partner with schools to integrate child protection awareness and practices into the educational environment, reinforcing a culture of safety and respect. We also organise parents, teachers and adolescent youth groups from schools and train them in the fight against sexual exploitation of children.
Lobby and advocacy
With the support of children, we lobby and advocate for stricter implementation of laws such as the Children’s Act (2013) at the local level.
Socio-economic support
We support children and youth with vocational training and life skills.
Our Projects in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, we work in Gazipur, Mirpur and Sathkira districts.
Our partners in Bangladesh
Implementing partners
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK)
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a national legal aid and human rights organisation, provides legal and social support to the dis empowered, particularly women, working children and workers. Its goal is to create a society based on equality, social and gender justice and rule of law. It seeks to create an environment for accountability and transparency of governance institutions.
INCIDIN Bangladesh
The Mission of INCIDIN Bangladesh is the “overall development of the community”, with a special focus on a balanced and “sustainable industrial development”. This is a formally defined Mission; however, INCIDIN Bangladesh is acting on areas/projects that are ultimately benefiting the community as a whole in a sustainable way.
Breaking the Silence (BTS)
Breaking the Silence (BTS) is a Non-Government Organization established and run by a group of compassionate activists committed to combat Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in Bangladesh.
Population Services and Training Center (PSTC)
Population Services and Training Center (PSTC) is the inheriting organization of Family Planning Services and Training Center (FPSTC) which was created by a government order in 1978
Village Education Resource Centre
A self-reliant and enlightened society based on justice, equity and sustainability where every human being has equal opportunity to maximize their potential
Funding partners
Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) is committed to a fair and sustainable world.
The European Commission
The European Commission is the EU’s main executive body. It proposes legislation, upholds EU treaties and ensures Member States apply EU law and policies.
Garcia Foundation
The aim of the GARCIA Foundation is to support, whether or not in the form of grants, organizations that aim to permanently improve the well-being of children in disadvantaged positions.
Ineke Fietz Stichting
The Ineke Feitz Stichting (IFS) is a Dutch private foundation founded in 1989 whose mission is to enhance the lives of vulnerable children—particularly those with mental or multiple disabilities—worldwide by supporting their access to care and education.
Contact
Bangladesh Country Office
House 20
Road No-11, Dhanmondi,
Dhaka 1209
Bangladesh
+88-(0)2-48110265
bangladesh@tdh.nl
Business hours
Sunday to Thursday 09.00-17.00
