ORPHANED children in Bangladesh remain among the most vulnerable segments of society. Yet, despite the urgency of their situation, they are often overlooked in national statistics and policy planning. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019 notes that approximately 4.1 per cent of children in Bangladesh live without parental care. However, this figure barely scratches the surface, for national databases lack disaggregated and comprehensive data on orphaned children. The absence of such information significantly hampers effective policymaking and programme development. This data gap reflects a broader neglect 鈥� one that presents a critical opportunity for collective action to protect and empower orphaned children across the country.
Addressing this gap must be a priority for the government and development partners alike. The inclusion of orphan-specific data in national surveys and planning documents is vital. Accurate and comprehensive statistics are essential to developing responsive policies, designing targeted interventions, and tracking progress over time. A robust statistical foundation would enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and to create a system where no child is left behind.
At present, the Department of Social Services reports approximately 200,000 children in institutional care across 85 state-run Shishu Paribars and around 4,000 private orphanages. While these facilities offer essential shelter and basic services, they often fall short of providing the emotional and psychological support that children need to thrive. Institutional settings focus primarily on survival 鈥� providing food, clothing, and basic education 鈥� without fostering the vital emotional bonds and stability that a family environment offers.
A more effective and proven alternative lies in the family-based care model, placing children in nurturing, family-like settings through foster care or adoption. Unlike institutional care, family-based care provides the emotional security and stability crucial for a child鈥檚 physical, mental, and social development. Globally, family-based models have shown higher success rates in education, mental health, and social integration among orphans. Yet, Bangladesh has been slow to embrace, let alone scale, this approach. There is an urgent need for a dedicated policy framework, along with clear operational guidelines and strong government commitment, to establish and expand alternative care models nationwide.
At the heart of protecting orphaned and vulnerable children lies the work of Community-Based Child Protection Committees. These grassroots bodies serve as the first line of defence against abuse, neglect, exploitation and child marriage 鈥� an issue in which Bangladesh ranks highest in Asia. Strengthening Community-Based Child Protection Committees and linking them closely with Upazila Child Welfare Boards could significantly reinforce child protection efforts from the ground up. Upazila Child Welfare Boards are vital in implementing national policies at the local level and ensuring that vulnerable children have access to healthcare, education, and legal protection.
However, for these mechanisms to be effective, local reporting and response systems must be improved. Community-Based Child Protection Committees and Upazila Child Welfare Boards require adequate training, tools, and resources to identify and respond effectively to cases of child rights violations. A well-functioning community-based protection system would not only increase accountability but also create a safer, more responsive environment for orphaned children.
Financial investment at the local level is another critical requirement. Increased resource allocation at the Union Parishad level would allow for a more nuanced and effective response to the needs of orphaned children. Local governments are uniquely positioned to understand the specific challenges within their communities. Dedicated funding could support education, healthcare, nutrition, psychosocial care, and other essential services, ensuring a more inclusive and dignified upbringing for orphans.
Equally important is supporting the caregivers of orphaned children, many of whom come from marginalised and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Caregivers 鈥� whether extended family members or foster parents 鈥� often struggle to provide for children in their care. Livelihood support programmes are essential to enhance these families鈥� income-generating capacity. Training in skills such as agriculture, tailoring, carpentry and entrepreneurship, combined with technical assistance and improved market access, can ensure the sustainability of care and create nurturing environments where children can grow and thrive.
The challenge of orphan care cannot be tackled in isolation. It demands multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving government institutions, NGOs, civil society organisations, media and communities. A recent programme organised by Islamic Relief Bangladesh demonstrated the potential of such cooperation. Bringing together senior officials from the Directorate of Women Affairs, the Department of Social Services, the Directorate of Cooperatives, the NGO Affairs Bureau, journalists, academics and civil society representatives, the event highlighted the urgency of a coordinated, national-level strategy to protect and uplift orphaned children across Bangladesh.
This gathering reaffirmed the power of unified action and the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation. It also reinforced a crucial truth: safeguarding the rights and futures of orphaned children is not merely a moral responsibility but a national imperative.
As Bangladesh advances towards greater development and social equity, orphan care must be placed at the centre of its vision for an inclusive society. Closing data gaps, expanding family-based care, strengthening local protection systems, increasing local funding and empowering caregivers can transform the lives of thousands of children. Now is the time to act 鈥� ensuring that no child grows up without the care, protection, and opportunities they deserve.
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Safiul Azam is a development communication professional.