In the bustling streets of Dhaka, the noisy brick fields of Narayanganj, or the shrimp farms of Khulna, one common sight continues to haunt the nation: children working. From polishing shoes and carrying heavy loads to sewing garments and sorting waste, child labor remains a deep-rooted issue in Bangladesh. Poverty, lack of education, and social norms have forced thousands of children into adulthood too early — stealing their childhood, health, and dreams.

However, in the face of this crisis, numerous NGOs are taking powerful steps to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect working children. Their work not only helps remove children from harmful labor but also ensures they’re given the support and tools they need to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

One of the core strategies NGOs use is the creation of non-formal education centers in urban slums and labor-prone areas. These flexible, child-friendly schools offer basic literacy and numeracy skills during hours that fit the children’s schedules. The goal is to gradually reintegrate them into formal education or vocational training programs — giving them a way out of the labor trap.

In places like Gazipur and Chattogram, NGOs have partnered with local communities to identify children at risk. Outreach workers visit homes, factories, and streets, often building relationships with families and employers to explain the dangers of child labor and the benefits of education. They also assist families in enrolling their children in school and accessing government stipends or NGO-supported financial aid.

But the work doesn’t stop at education. Many children who leave work suffer from trauma, abuse, or malnutrition. NGOs provide psychosocial support, counseling, healthcare, and nutritious meals, helping children heal physically and mentally. Some even run child shelters that offer a temporary safe space for children without homes or guardians.

An inspiring example is the story of Rubel, a 12-year-old boy from a Dhaka slum who used to work at a roadside tea stall from dawn till night. With the intervention of a child-focused NGO, Rubel was enrolled in a bridge school, received medical care, and later entered class five in a public school. Today, he dreams of becoming a social worker and helping children like himself.

Importantly, NGOs are also working at a policy and advocacy level, pressuring garment factories, shrimp industries, and informal sector employers to adopt child-labor-free practices. They collaborate with the government to push for better enforcement of labor laws and child rights policies.

The road to eradicating child labor is long, but with persistent awareness, community engagement, and systemic change, Bangladesh is making progress. Every rescued child is a victory — a step toward a more just and humane society.

NGOs across the country are proving that it is possible to replace tools and machines with books and pencils, and give every child the right to simply be a child — to learn, to play, and to dream without fear.

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Every Child Deserves a Childhood: How NGOs Are Combating Child Labor in Bangladesh