Determinants of Working Hours of Child Labor: An Evidence from Selected Districts of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Bangladesh has achieved remarkable socioeconomic progress, yet child labor continues to be a major social concern. Understanding the determinants of children’s working hours is essential for designing effective interventions. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the causes of child labor and family characteristics as determinants of child labor in different districts of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2024 and July 2025 among 186 child labors aged 5–17 years. Participants were randomly selected from three districts of Bangladesh (Gopalganj, Bagerhat, and Jhenaidah). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify the socioeconomic and household factors influencing children’s working hours across different sectors. Results: The analysis revealed that the age of child labor (p = 0.004), their educational status (p = 0.032), their household head’s education level (p = 0.041), their household size of (p = 0.027), and their working area (p = 0.008) area significantly affect working hours of child labor. Conversely, the gender of child labor (p = 0.457), their household income (p = 0.0.218) and their family’s loan status (p = 0.341) are not statistically significant predictors. Conclusion: Working hours of child labors in Bangladesh are shaped by both individual and family characteristics rather than solely by economic status. Policy measures such as strengthened social protection, school retention initiatives, family planning support, and stricter child labor legislation are recommended to address excessive working hours and safeguard child well-being.