Child labor is not just an economic crisis but a moral one

Dear Sir,

Child labor remains one of the most painful realities in Bangladesh. While poverty is often cited as its primary cause, the issue goes far beyond economic hardship. It also reflects a deep moral failure within society.

Millions of children are forced to work in tea stalls, factories, workshops, and households instead of attending school. Employers often prefer children because they can be paid less and are less likely to protest against exploitation. This pursuit of cheap labor at the expense of a child's future is a clear sign of moral decay.

The situation is particularly troubling when young children are employed as domestic workers. Society frequently normalizes this practice, ignoring the fact that these children are deprived of education, care, and a proper childhood. According to a 2025 national report, around 3.5 million children are engaged in labor, with nearly one million involved in hazardous work. Exposure to dangerous environments threatens their physical and mental development and limits their future opportunities.

Although laws against child labor exist, weak enforcement and economic inequality continue to fuel the problem. Ensuring fair wages for adults, strengthening social protection, and guaranteeing access to education are essential steps. Ending child labor is not an act of charity�"it is a matter of justice and a moral responsibility shared by all.

AL Sharia
Student, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur