Bangladesh Supreme Court bans child labour in bidi factories in historic ruling

A landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has declared child labour in bidi factories unconstitutional and illegal. The case, brought by human rights groups Ain-o-Salish Kendra (ASK) and Aparajeyo Bangladesh, exposed the exploitation of children as young as four in hazardous working conditions. The judgment now sets stricter legal standards for protecting children's rights in the country.

The legal battle began when ASK and Aparajeyo Bangladesh filed a writ petition against the government and bidi factory owners. Their evidence included media reports showing around 5,000 children, aged between four and 16, working in bidi factories in Haragacha, Rangpur, as of 2010. The petitioners argued that this violated the children's fundamental rights under Bangladesh's Constitution and international treaties the country had ratified.

The factory owners admitted employing children but claimed that a sudden ban would push families deeper into poverty. They also argued that enforcement mechanisms were too weak to handle such a change. The High Court Division, however, ruled that child labour in these factories was unconstitutional and demanded immediate action.

In its judgment, the Court acknowledged poverty as the root cause of child labour, creating a cycle of illiteracy and exploitation. It issued detailed orders to the government: eliminating child labour, ensuring compulsory education, and improving factory conditions. Despite the ruling, implementation remains difficult due to socioeconomic challenges, leaving NGOs to play a key role in defending vulnerable children through public interest lawsuits.

The case has since become a cornerstone in Bangladesh's legal approach to child rights, reinforcing the country's constitutional and international obligations to end child labour.

The High Court's decision marks a turning point in Bangladesh's fight against child exploitation. The government now faces the task of enforcing stricter labour laws while addressing the poverty driving families to send children to work. NGOs continue to monitor compliance, ensuring that the ruling translates into real change for thousands of affected children.