Bangladesh report finds about 300 children living in prisons

About 298 to 303 children are living with incarcerated mothers in prisons across Bangladesh, according to a Department of Social Services report prepared for the High Court.

The department said prison conditions are unsuitable for children’s long-term physical and mental development. It recommended placing children with close relatives through foster care or other family-based arrangements after a specified age or period, when that serves their best interests.

When relatives are unavailable or placement is unsafe, the report said children could stay in government children’s homes or other secure residential facilities.

The High Court requested the report June 15 after public interest litigation by Supreme Court lawyer Quamrun Nahar Mahmud Deepa. The court also asked authorities to explain why they should not be directed to protect the children’s safety, welfare, education, development, and fundamental rights. Nahar plans to submit the report after the court reopens Oct. 25.