Understanding the Roles and Contributions of Charities to the Sustainable Development in Bangladesh: A Study on Street Children in Dhaka City

Abstract

This study critically examines the contributions of charitable organizations toward the sustainable development of street children in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the population has surged to an estimated 3.5 million. While Bangladesh has achieved middle-income status, this demographic remains largely excluded from the national development narrative. Using a mixed-method approach integrating stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions at major urban hubs, and a comprehensive literature review the research explores the "push" and "pull" factors driving children to the streets. The analysis identifies a significant "Identity Crisis," noting that 58% of street children lack birth registration, a condition the study defines as "Civil Death," which precludes access to formal education and healthcare. A critical evaluation of existing literature reveals systemic "Snapshot Bias" and a failure to address the emerging "Digital Invisibility" of marginalized youth. The findings suggest that while NGOs provide vital "Band-Aid" relief, the proliferation of the "Charity Model" may inadvertently allow the state to outsource its constitutional obligations. The study argues for a paradigm shift toward a "Rights-Based" model, recommending the reform of punitive legislation such as the Vagrant and Shelterless Persons Act 2011, the implementation of trauma-informed policing, and the creation of a unified national database. Ultimately, the research posits that sustainable development can only be achieved by integrating these "invisible" children into the legal and digital infrastructure of "Smart Bangladesh."