Juvenile delinquency is an increasing social problem in Bangladesh, adversely affecting the personal, family, and social lives of adolescents. Social changes, urbanisation, poverty, and challenges related to education and mental health contribute to the circumstances that encourage delinquent behaviour among adolescents. Against this backdrop, the main objective of this study is to identify the patterns of juvenile delinquency, examine its social, economic, and psychological causes, and suggest effective preventive strategies in Bangladesh. The study employed a qualitative research approach. Two institutions were purposively selected as research sites: the Child Development Centre, Tongi, and the Child Development Centre, Konabari, Gazipur. Data were collected through 10 case studies, 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and 4 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The case studies explored the criminal experiences of adolescents from different age groups. The FGDs incorporated the perspectives of parents, teachers, and local residents, while the KIIs gathered insights from law enforcement officials and social workers. The findings indicate that juvenile delinquency is a multidimensional phenomenon. The major forms of delinquent activities include theft, robbery, violence, drug-related offences, juvenile gang activities, and technology-related crimes.

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Authors : Md. Abdur Razzak and Md. Habibur Rahman Sumon

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