Tag: peer influence

Original
Causes and Factors of Juvenile Delinquency in Bangladesh
*Rahman MJ,¹ Rojy NN,² Hossain A,³ Saha S⁴

1. *Dr. Md. Jahidur Rahman, Lecturer, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. jrahman4691@gmail.com. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4820-3014.
2. Dr. Nazmun Nahar Rojy, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine& Toxicology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5189-773.
3. Dr. Abir Hossain, Diploma in Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8879-4971.
4. Dr. Sejuti Saha, Diploma in Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0840-7822.

*For correspondence

Abstracts
Background: Juvenile delinquency has become a growing social and legal concern in Bangladesh, reflecting the combined effects of poverty, family instability, peer pressure, and rapid urbanization. Understanding its underlying causes is essential to developing preventive strategies and improving rehabilitation efforts for youth offenders.
Objective: To assess the types, patterns, and associated factors of juvenile crimes among adolescents in Bangladesh.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Child Development Centre (CDC) in Tongi, Gazipur, among 200 juvenile offenders aged 12–18 years. Data were collected through a semi structured questionnaire and institutional records. Sociodemographic, familial, social, psychological, and behavioral variables were analyzed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive and inferential statistics including Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results: Most participants were male (74%), aged 12–15 years (54.5%), and from urban, low-income families. The most common crimes were rape (28.5%), murder (22.5%), and theft (16%). Poverty (63%), domestic violence (29%), and parental disharmony (22%) were major familial contributors. Peer influence was reported by 75% of participants, while substance use—mainly smoking (47.5%)—was prevalent, particularly among males. Significant gender differences were found in crime type, media exposure, and substance use (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Juvenile delinquency in Bangladesh is multifactorial, rooted in socioeconomic deprivation, family conflict, and peer influence. While psychological disorders were rare, substance abuse and social pressures played substantial roles. Preventive efforts should emphasize family counseling, educational retention, community support, and targeted rehabilitation within juvenile facilities.
[Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Med Col J 2026, July; 11 (2):121-128]
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.69699/ssnimcj.2026.11.2.4

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