The number of children working as helping hands in different canteens and stalls across Dhaka University (DU), the highest academic echelon in the country, is over 130.
The university authorities' silence on eradicating child labour from the campus not only suggests ignorance on their part but also implies complicity with this illegal practice.
Despite its motto, “Education is Light,” the so-called “Oxford of the East” is upholding the darkness of illiteracy by allowing child labour on its campus, sparking controversy and contradicting its educational mission.
According to a UNICEF report titled "Child Labour in Bangladesh," the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 prohibits the employment of children under 14 years old and hazardous forms of child labour for individuals under 18.
Children, mostly under 14, work 15 to 16 hours per day in canteens, dining facilities and stalls within DU's residential halls. Consequently, they are often deprived of mental growth and necessary education. Despite this, the university authorities have taken no visible steps to instruct canteen and stall owners not to employ children.
Experts believe that a collective effort is required to solve this issue.
Number of child workers
DU has 19 student dormitories and four hostels, each with at least one canteen and multiple stalls. According to the canteen and stall owners, over 130 children are employed across the campus.
Mubarak Ali, a 55-year-old kitchen assistant at the Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall canteen, told The Business Post, "Children come here due to poverty. Many families depend on their wages for survival."
At least 12 children work in Masterda Surja Sen Hall, 12 in Jagannath Hall, 16 in Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, 12 in Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, eight in Kabi Jasimuddin Hall, seven in Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, and three in Ruqayyah Hall. Additionally, over 50 children are employed in other canteens and stalls in various halls and hostels.
These children earn Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000 monthly, along with three meals a day. Despite their interest in education, their long working hours—7am to 11pm—leave no time for schooling or entertainment, affecting their mental growth.
Poverty drives children to work
Most of the children cited poverty as the reason for their employment. Some have lost one or both parents, while others are viewed as burdens by their families.
"I came here due to poor financial conditions in my family. They told me to find my own way," said Tazwar (a pseudonym), with tears in his eyes. When asked if he wanted to attend school, he replied, "I wish I could go to school and learn ABC. But we, who work at the university campus, do not have the time or money for education."
Dr Md Tawohidul Haque, an assistant professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at Dhaka University, stated, "Most of the children come to DU to work due to family and financial crises. If the university authorities do not give permission for work, they will find work elsewhere and the overall child labour issue will not be solved. Therefore, the underlying reasons behind child labour must be addressed."
He suggested that cultural organisations in TSC could take responsibility and provide primary education to these children.
Non-profits stepping forward, more needed
The Mojar School, a non-profit organisation, provides primary education to hundreds of street children in six locations in Dhaka, including Suhrawardy Udyan near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).
"Our open school programme runs every Monday from 3pm to 5pm at Suhrawardy Udyan. Mainly TSC-based street children attend," said Mehedi Hasan, head of operations.
He emphasised the need for social efforts to bring these children under the umbrella of education. "We have not yet connected with all the working children in the halls or canteens around Dhaka University. There are challenges in reaching these children due to their work responsibilities and time constraints. Guardians and workplace owners can assist in this effort," Mehedi added.
Sharif Obaidullah, a former student of Dhaka University and founder of Save The Tomorrow, another non-profit organisation, has been teaching street children for six years. "Around 180 volunteers work with me in my organisation. Each volunteer contributes Tk 50 per month, which is used for the meals and training of street children to help them become self-dependent," he said.
Sharif believes that if 10-15 students in each hall took responsibility, they could provide education to these children. "There is a significant opportunity for the university administration to take the initiative and solve this problem," he added.
Students, university authority address child labour
Mahbub Masum, former president of the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS), told The Business Post that if there is a violation of child labour laws, the university authorities should take action. "It is not the responsibility of the general students to solve this problem," he emphasised.
He also noted that the child workers on campus are paid very low wages and students could help address this aspect.
DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal acknowledged the child labour issue and the fact that child workers on the DU campus are not receiving education, stating, "The children were previously taught by a school named 'Pathshala,' which is now closed. The children work for some food or payment because canteen owners prefer them due to lower wages."
He added, "Extortion is still an issue in the canteens. We are working to address this, and it will gradually improve."
