Around 168 street children were killed during the anti-discrimination movement, according to a new study.
While 13,529 injured individuals were recorded at the national level, detailed information about child victims remains unavailable.
The findings were presented on Saturday at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka.
The study, titled "Long-term Effects of Political Violence on the Mental and Physical Health of Marginalised Children in Dhaka: Context of July–August 2024," was conducted by Ekmattra Society and Local Education and Economic Development Organisation (LEEDO), with funding from Global Fund for Children.
According to the report, 506 people received treatment for serious eye injuries caused by rubber bullets or pellets, of whom at least 60 were children. Among them, a 9-year-old street child lost vision permanently.
Children were also heavily affected by arbitrary detentions—43 street children were held in Kawran Bazar without legal assistance. Signs of physical abuse were found on several of them.
Additionally, BRAC reported that 62% of street children in Dhaka lost their shelters during the unrest. UNICEF noted a 200% rise in the number of unaccompanied children near the border areas. Satellite imagery obtained by Human Rights Watch showed that many shelters were abandoned following police raids.
The study analysed data from case studies of 70 children living on the streets who were either directly or indirectly affected. These studies focused on areas where violence was widespread and were conducted through interviews.
The report found that during the movement, street children encountered extreme violence and chaos. 72% percent of them experienced or witnessed violence firsthand—some were directly attacked, while others saw brutal incidents unfold.
Nearly half (48%) of them sustained direct injuries, including head wounds and pellet injuries. About 13% were shot. An additional 26% were not physically harmed but witnessed the assault or detention of their friends or acquaintances.
Before the violence began, levels of awareness among street children varied. Some 41% had no understanding of the conflict and only became aware when violence erupted around them.
In contrast, 36% were aware of the movement's goals. Their involvement also varied—55.7% were actively involved in the violence, while 34.3% joined out of personal motivation or solidarity.
Decisions to engage or abstain were influenced by personal beliefs, peer influence, political affiliations, and safety concerns.
The report states that many street children struggled with basic survival. Due to curfews, 54% faced difficulties accessing food, water, or shelter, and 60% reported disruptions in their income sources.
Despite this, some managed to cope with support from friends, acquaintances, or the community. However, the psychological toll was severe.
About 61% reported emotional trauma, fear, and panic. Nearly half shared that they suffered from nightmares or mental breakdowns, while more than 75% continue to live with stress, sadness, and anxiety. The trauma caused by both direct and indirect violence was widespread.
According to LEEDO’s report, in the aftermath of the violence, 61% of the children now feel relatively safer in their communities, as they perceive a decrease in police and gang-related chaos.
Around 41% received help from NGOs or the community, 34% from acquaintances, 22% relied on community networks, and only 19% were in contact with their families.
Nonetheless, many continue to survive in dire conditions—33% resort to begging, 23% collect waste or bottles, and many sleep near railway stations or on roadsides. Although 40% reported being physically healthy, their overall living conditions remain precarious.
Presenting the report, lead researcher Professor Dr Niloy Ranjan Biswas said that for the past three decades, children living on the streets have been used—directly or indirectly—during political violence. As a result, they have endured physical and psychological harm. During the anti-discrimination movement, children were also used to fulfil political agendas, suffering dire consequences. Despite public discourse surrounding casualties and unrest, the deadly impact on neglected children in Dhaka's streets remains overlooked and has gradually faded from memory.
Dr Biswas noted that for underprivileged children, the street is both a source of livelihood and shelter. Therefore, political violence on the streets severely jeopardises their already vulnerable existence. The study offers a series of recommendations for institutions, the government, politicians, healthcare professionals, and psychologists responsible for ensuring the basic rights and safety of these children.