Centres overflow, child rehabilitation falls short

Overcrowding, staff shortages and limited education and psychological support are undermining rehabilitation at Bangladesh’s three government-run Child Development Centres, raising concerns about whether children in conflict with the law are receiving the services needed to return safely to society.

The Department of Social Services has approved capacity for 600 children across the three centres-300 at Tongi, 150 at Konabari in Gazipur and 150 at Jashore.

But the department’s latest published figures show 1,064 children housed at the facilities, leaving the system significantly over capacity.

Tongi has 693 children against a capacity of 300, while Jashore has 303 against 150. Konabari, the centre for girls, has 68 children against a capacity of 150.

The figures highlight pressure on a system intended to provide rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The centres are designed to provide children with education, vocational and skills training, counselling, case management and support for reintegration into society.

But shortages of staff and limited facilities are restricting access to these services, according to recent reporting and rights-focused assessments.

Some are accused of offences, some are placed in safe custody, while others may have experienced violence, neglect, exploitation or family breakdown.

The Children Act 2013 provides a separate framework for children in conflict with the law, including children’s courts, probation services and diversionary measures.

The Department of Social Services says children may be sent to development centres through court orders or transferred from custody.

However, UNICEF says Bangladesh has more than 23,000 cases involving children pending trial, underscoring the continuing pressure on the child justice system.
The centres’ overcrowding affects more than accommodation.

With large numbers of children sharing limited facilities, staff have less scope for individual counselling, case management, supervision, education and recreational activities.

Recent reporting has also identified substantial vacancies among approved posts at Tongi and Jashore.

Such shortages directly affect rehabilitation because the system depends on social case workers, counsellors, teachers, vocational instructors, probation officers and other trained personnel.

Without adequate staff, children may not receive consistent individual attention or follow-up support.

Education is another major concern.
Children who enter the justice system may already be disconnected from school.

Extended stays at development centres can further interrupt their education and make returning to mainstream schooling more difficult.

Formal academic opportunities inside the centres remain limited, while children preparing for public examinations may require court permission to sit for them, according to recent reporting.

The gap creates a contradiction in a system that is expected to prepare children for reintegration.

A child who leaves without adequate education or recognised skills may face difficulties returning to school or finding legitimate employment.

Rehabilitation also does not end when a child leaves a development centre.

After release, children may return to the same family, neighbourhood, poverty, peer groups or other circumstances that contributed to their vulnerability.

The Department of Social Services says follow-up support is part of the rehabilitation process. But staff shortages make sustained aftercare difficult, according to recent reporting.

Without regular monitoring and family support, gains made through counselling or skills training can quickly weaken.

A child who wants to return to school may struggle to re-enter after years away. Another who receives vocational training may have no access to employment or further training.

Children returning to unstable households may also remain vulnerable to abuse, exploitation or renewed involvement with the justice system.
There are signs of attempts to strengthen the system.

In July 2026, the social welfare minister announced plans to upgrade the Tongi Child Development Centre into a national-level institution, with greater emphasis on rehabilitation and skills development.

In September, 25 caregivers at the Konabari centre received specialised training on supporting children affected by commercial sexual exploitation.

The participants included social case workers, counsellors, teachers, trade instructors, child-protection social workers and medical personnel.

But experts and rights advocates say reform cannot be limited to buildings or training programmes.

UNICEF has supported a broader child-friendly justice approach, including diversion, restorative justice, legal aid and mental-health and psychosocial support.

In March 2025, the organisation welcomed the government’s decision to establish separate children’s courts, saying the reform could strengthen a system focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The challenge now is to ensure that this approach is reflected inside the development centres.