Child labor continues to rise in Khulna City, with many children working in hazardous jobs across workshops, garages, factories, and small businesses after dropping out of school due to poverty.
Although government and non-government organizations have launched initiatives to eliminate child labor and reintegrate children into education, experts say limited transparency and weak monitoring often reduce their effectiveness. Still, several cases show that targeted financial support to families can successfully bring children back to school.
In Khulna’s Bakul Bagan area under Ward 25, Jannatul Ferdous represents one such case. Born into extreme poverty, she was forced to leave school and work as a domestic helper to support her family. While other children attended classes, her childhood was spent in labor.
Despite the hardship, Jannatul remained determined to continue her studies. In 2023, she secured admission to Grade 3 at Government Coronation Secondary Girls’ High School through the admission lottery. However, financial pressure soon forced her out of school again, returning her to domestic work.
Even while working, she continued studying independently whenever possible. Her persistence paid off when she passed her examinations despite prolonged absence from the classroom.
A turning point came when World Vision Bangladesh provided her mother, Tania Begum, with a financial grant of Tk 6,000. She invested the money in a sewing machine, which enabled her to start a small tailoring business at home. The additional income improved the family’s financial stability and allowed Jannatul to leave child labor and return to school.
Jannatul is now a Grade 6 student. Her mother hopes to expand her tailoring work into a sustainable business to secure a better future for her children.
Another similar case is that of Prince Gain from Maheshwar Pasha Banik Para. He dropped out of school in Grade 6 due to family pressure and worked in a jute mill for two years.
His father, Lavlu Gain, who runs a small salon, said low income forced him to send his son to work. Later, financial assistance from World Vision Bangladesh helped him purchase equipment for his shop, increasing the family’s monthly income from around Tk 7,000–8,000 to Tk 10,000–12,000.
With improved financial stability, Prince was withdrawn from labor and re-enrolled in school. He is now a Grade 7 student.
According to a 2025 survey by the World Vision Khulna City Area Program, more than 286 children in Khulna City are currently engaged in child labor. Many work in unsafe conditions in garages, welding and lathe workshops, small factories, restaurants, and transport services.
Field observations in areas such as Mujgunni Bus Stand, Shibbari, Khalishpur, Daulatpur, and Gallamari reveal children operating or working near heavy machinery without adequate safety protection.
Despite ongoing challenges, cases like Jannatul and Prince highlight that improved household income and targeted assistance can play a crucial role in withdrawing children from hazardous labor and reintegrating them into education.
