Protect children in state custody

We are deeply concerned by the appalling conditions in the three government-run child development centres (CDCs) in the country, which are supposed to rehabilitate children in conflict with the law through education, counselling and vocational training. A recent investigation by this daily has found that these centres are falling far short of their responsibilities, with rampant abuse, severe overcrowding, staff shortages, inadequate mental health and vocational services, and ineffective post-release support. There were also reports of children dying at one of the centres in 2020. All of this raises serious questions about how these centres operate.

The abuse and torture children often have to endure at the hands of staff in these centres is most disturbing. The deaths of three boys at the Jashore CDC in August 2020 are a case in point. According to the police charge sheet, 18 detainees were taken from their dormitories for punishment after the centre’s chief guard was assaulted. They were reportedly tied to window grilles with their legs bound and towels stuffed into their mouths and beaten with iron rods and cricket stumps. Three boys died, and others were seriously injured. Although a case was filed at that time, the trial remains unresolved, with all the accused out on bail.

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Overcrowding is another barrier to providing these children with much-needed support. Reportedly, the Tongi CDC is housing 781 children against an approved capacity of 250, while Jashore has 286 against a capacity of 150, and the Konabari facility has 122 children against 100. Staff shortage is another issue that undermines supervision, care, and rehabilitation. The lack of educational and mental health support is equally concerning. While children have limited access to formal education beyond Grade 5, those providing counselling reportedly lack specialised training. In the lone facility for girls at Konabari centre, there were allegations of sexual harassment and other abuse against the former superintendent. This further underscores the serious risks children face in these institutions.

The government must therefore urgently reassess how these centres operate and make the necessary reforms. The authorities must ensure the children receive meaningful access to formal education, healthcare, psychological support, and market-relevant vocational and digital training. The staff must receive proper training in child protection, trauma-informed care and conflict management, and there must be effective mechanisms for monitoring their conduct. Independent inspections should be conducted regularly, while complaints of abuse must be investigated promptly and transparently. Equally important is post-release support, including counselling, family assistance, education, and employment opportunities, so that children can reintegrate into society without much difficulty.