Child Rights in Bangladesh 


Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest garment exporters, with the ready-made garment (RMG) sector accounting for 84 percent of Bangladesh’s exports and employing approximately four million garment workers, mostly women. Although progress has been made in addressing working conditions, significant challenges and risks related to child rights remain. These challenges are further magnified by uncertainties around trade tariffs and HRDD legislation, which can have a significant impact on the sector and the people who form its backbone. 


Child labour remains a serious issue in Bangladesh and has worsened since the pandemic. According to the ILO, nearly 1.2 million children aged 5 to 14 are believed to be working. Poverty and low wages are major drivers. Many children work in informal settings where there is little oversight and no effective monitoring, especially in the lower tiers of supply chains.


Supporting You in Bangladesh 


The Centre works in Bangladesh to help factories prevent and remediate child labour,  support young workers with access to decent work and create family-friendly workplaces. Since 2024, we have been implementing a Child Rights Action Hub that brings together global brands to collectively tackle child labour at scale in the lower tiers of the ready-made garment sector. Our assessments from across a range of industries show that more needs to be done to protect the rights of workers and communities connected to global supply chains. This includes improving access to employer-supported childcare, maternity support and protection for young workers. Human rights risk assessments that include lower tiers are essential to understand risks and create action plans for meaningful human rights due diligence. Stronger age verification systems, training and capacity building on responsible recruitment are also needed to minimise risks, create more resilient supply chains and protect children, youth and workers.


The Centre's full suite of services are available in Bangladesh. 


Browse Our Work in Bangladesh

How are Parent and Juvenile Workers Doing in the COVID-19 Era? New Data from the Manufacturing Sector in Asia
29/04/2020 | News
How are Parent and Juvenile Workers Doing in the COVID-19 Era? New Data from the Manufacturing Sector in Asia
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Child Labour in Focus: Bangladesh Child Labour Case Gains the Support of an Entire Village
17/03/2020 | Stories
Child Labour in Focus: Bangladesh Child Labour Case Gains the Support of an Entire Village
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/impact/child-labour-in-focus-bangladesh-child-labour-case-gains-the-support-of-an-entire-village
UNICEF Supply Chain Mapping in Bangladesh
21/06/2019 | Project Updates
UNICEF Supply Chain Mapping in Bangladesh
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/impact/unicef-supply-chain-mapping-in-bangladesh
The Centre and ELEVATE Announce Collaboration to Remediate Child Labour in Supply Chains
18/06/2019 | News
The Centre and ELEVATE Announce Collaboration to Remediate Child Labour in Supply Chains
The Centre and ELEVATE are collaborating to increase effectiveness in remedial and improvement services related to child labour.
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/news-and-events/the-centre-and-elevate-announce-collaboration-to-remediate-child-labour-in-supply-chains
New Law Requires Dutch Companies to Identify, Prevent and Report Child Labour in Supply Chains
17/05/2019 | News
New Law Requires Dutch Companies to Identify, Prevent and Report Child Labour in Supply Chains
The Netherlands adapted a new law on child labour due diligence that requires Dutch companies to examine whether child labour occurs in their supply chains.
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/news-and-events/36
The Centre Partners with Worker Voice Technology Provider Ulula to Advance Child Rights in Key Production Regions
28/03/2019 | News
The Centre Partners with Worker Voice Technology Provider Ulula to Advance Child Rights in Key Production Regions
The Centre and Ulula have struck up a strategic partnership that seeks to offer brands and employers the tools and expertise to improve their impact on children in key production regions in the world.
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/news-and-events/the-centre-partners-with-ulula-to-advance-child-rights
'Children's Voices' Short Film: A Factory in Bangladesh Makes it Possible for a Mother to Return to Work
07/12/2018 | Stories
'Children's Voices' Short Film: A Factory in Bangladesh Makes it Possible for a Mother to Return to Work
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/impact/children-voices-short-film-a-factory-in-bangladesh-makes-it-possible-for-a-mother-to-return-to-work
'Children's Voices: Four Countries, Four Stories' - A Film in Collaboration with Global Child Forum
21/09/2018 | Stories
'Children's Voices: Four Countries, Four Stories' - A Film in Collaboration with Global Child Forum
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/impact/childrens-voices-four-countries-four-stories-a-film-in-collaboration-with-global-child-forum
Could this be the Most Child Friendly Factory in China?
08/08/2016 | Stories
Could this be the Most Child Friendly Factory in China?
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/impact/could-this-be-the-most-child-friendly-factory-in-china

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