A groundbreaking study conducted by the international organization ‘The Freedom Fund’ has revealed a severe crisis of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Dhaka, exposing critical gaps in child protection, particularly for boys living on the streets.
The research found that a staggering 33 per cent of street-connected boys in Dhaka have been victims of sexual exploitation. The findings underscore a systemic failure to protect vulnerable children from ongoing sexual abuse and exploitation.
The data was presented at a “National Level Research Result Dissemination” event held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on Monday, where two separate reports measuring CSEC among boys and girls were released.
Systemic Vulnerability and Neglect of Boys
The study, which covered 63 high-risk areas and three major brothels in Dhaka, detailed how the nature of exploitation differs based on gender, yet is equally brutal.
Boys aged 12 to 17 reported that they constantly struggle for food, safe sleeping spaces, and freedom from adult harassment. A significant number revealed they were coerced into sexual relationships with adults in exchange for food, shelter, or small sums of money. These incidents frequently occur in public but secluded areas like parks, bus stands, market areas, and isolated street corners.
The report highlighted that street-connected boys have been long neglected in child protection discussions, lacking appropriate shelter homes, mental health services, or rehabilitation facilities tailored to their needs.
Exploitation of Girls: Deception and Control
For girls, the research found that most are adolescents who fall prey to traffickers through deceptive promises of marriage, better jobs, or emotional manipulation. Once trapped in the cycle of brothel or street-based exploitation, they face severe restrictions on their movement and are subjected to regular physical and mental torture.
The core factors driving children into this cycle were identified as poverty, family breakdown, and internal migration, often with victims fleeing domestic violence only to fall into the exploitative web.
Government and NGO Response
Addressing the findings, Momtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, acknowledged the challenges, particularly regarding social benefits for victims of child marriage.
“Currently, the legal age for marriage for girls is 18, and the minimum age for maternity allowance is 20. But because child marriage victims get pregnant at an early age, we cannot provide them with maternity allowance, child birth registration, and other government services,” the Senior Secretary stated. He affirmed the government’s commitment to making existing hotlines and shelter houses more effective and taking concrete steps for the security and rehabilitation of vulnerable children.
Khaleda Akter, Country Representative of The Freedom Fund Bangladesh, urged immediate action, stressing the contrasting methods of exploitation. “Girls and boys are falling into equally brutal exploitation but in different ways. Girls are lured by fake promises of love or safety, while boys are exploited by capitalizing on their hunger, homelessness, and insecurity,” she said. Ms. Akter called for the data to be translated into stronger policies, adequate investment, and a commitment to prioritizing child protection.
Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General of the Department of Social Services, concurred, stating that while government services exist, the research clearly indicates a need for a broader framework, trauma-aware services, and specific interventions that consider the different needs of boys and girls. The Department is committed to integrating these recommendations into ongoing reforms.
The research concludes with an urgent call for special, inclusive measures to prevent Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) across the country.
