Short-term (private) gains at the cost of long-term (public) benefits: child labour in bidi factories of Bangladesh

Abstract

International conventions strictly restrict children from working in hazardous occupations like bidi production. This research aimed at investigating child labour situation in bidi factories operating in the northern part of Bangladesh. The study followed qualitative techniques in an interpretive approach to deduce the phenomenon. Observation was the tool to explore working condition inside the factory, along with group discussion, key informant interview and in-depth interview. Four cases were also studied. The study found that around 50-70% of the labours were children, while the actual number was inconclusive. The family, due to poverty, and tobacco industry, for financial benefit, let adolescents work in bidi factories. Implementation of laws, measures to reduce demand and supply of bidi, and awareness among families are suggested to reduce the number of child labour. Child impact analysis and longitudinal research may be initiated further to analyse the changes in the career of children when grown up.