Every morning, Dhaka awakens to the energy of millions striving for a better life. The city’s streets quickly fill with workers, families, and newcomers arriving from different parts of Bangladesh in search of opportunity, stability, and the hope of securing at least two daily meals. Amid this constant movement and aspiration, however, there is a vulnerable group whose struggles often remain unseenstreet-connected children.
Various studies and reports estimate that around 1.3 million children in Bangladesh live or work on the streets, though the figure is widely considered outdated and difficult to verify due to the constantly changing nature of street life. Organizations such as United Nations Children’s Fund highlight that many of these children face severe risks including exploitation, lack of education, unsafe living conditions, and limited access to healthcare and protection.
For these children, the streets become both a place of survival and a place of uncertainty. Many are forced to work from a young agecollecting recyclables, begging, selling small items, or performing informal laborsimply to survive. Without proper support systems, they remain trapped in cycles of poverty and social exclusion.
Addressing the needs of street-connected children is therefore not only a humanitarian responsibility but also a critical step toward sustainable national development. A nation cannot fully progress if a significant portion of its children grow up without access to safety, education, and opportunity. Ensuring their protection, dignity, and future prospects is essential for building a more inclusive and resilient society.