Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Juvenile Recidivism in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study on Juvenile Development Center, Gazipur

Received: 20 January 2024     Accepted: 18 February 2024     Published: 31 July 2024
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Abstract

Juvenile Recidivism is relatively new and legal term in modern world which stimulates the repetition of criminal behavior among the juvenile. Juvenile delinquent and juvenile recidivist activity has been increased due to the Development of technology, indiscrimination, unplanned modernization, industrialization, urbanization and over politicization. Juvenile Recidivism mostly incites the future evils younger generation due to severe and heinous effect of consequent juvenile criminal behavior among the juvenile. On the basis of this problem, juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh has been studied to explore what are main causes of juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh and also to identify which social factor is responsible for being to be juvenile recidivism as well as to justify how juvenile become a juvenile recidivist from the early stage of lives. Qualitative method has been used in the study within in-depth interviewing as well as face to face conversation. The major findings of the study is poverty, lack of parental care, bad peer group, living in slum area, engaged with unreported adult criminal, gang and political leader which are directly influence juvenile to commit the criminal activity for this reason juvenile turn into a juvenile recidivist. It had also found that sexual and drugs related offences are committed by the maximum number of juvenile recidivist in Bangladesh. Finally it had found that lack of proper treatment in Development center, inexperienced probation officer and lack of legal juvenile court or juvenile justice system is also increasing juvenile recidivist in Bangladesh.

Published in Science Journal of Education (Volume 12, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11
Page(s) 32-39
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Juvenile, Recidivism, Court, Peer, Justice and Gang Criminal

1. Introduction
Juvenile is very essential part of a society. They are future of a nation. Juvenile offence is one of the biggest challenges apparent in society today. Juvenile recidivism and juvenile delinquency both are the related juvenile crime in Bangladesh. It is necessary to know, what are the juvenile delinquency and juvenile recidivism. Juvenile delinquency encompasses all public wrongs committed by young people between the ages of 12 and 20 . According to the Supreme Court of Missouri defines Juvenile recidivism is any youth, referred to the juvenile office for a legally sufficient law violation during a calendar year, who receives one or more legally sufficient law violation(s) to the juvenile or adult court within one year of the initial referral’s disposition date . Moreover, the recidivism of young offender’s presents even a more disturbing problem where the adults criminal are started their criminal careers from the juvenile’s years. Juvenile are engaged with complex social class. Various social factor which is peer group, poverty; income, status, property, rank of parent’s occupation, education, politics, defective family conditions directly influence the juvenile to commit the crime. As a result, stealing, shoplifting, hijacking, pick pocketing, gambling, murder, robbery, dacoity, prostitution, eve teasing, sexual offence and drugs have been committed by juvenile. In the consequence, the reconviction, resentence, re-arrest, re-detention, probation violation, parole violation re-delinquent, new charge and re-adjudicate has been increased because of increasing juvenile recidivism. In addition to internationally statistics shows that in the United States juvenile recidivist committed 39.8% violent crime, 57.5% serious offence, 56.9% minor offence . The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) showed that 58% of crime was committed by males while females committed 42% in 2004. Juvenile males were most often arrested for larceny theft 12.3% of total arrest and drug violations were the second most recorded offence totaling 10.3%.Juvenile females were also most often arrested for larceny-theft crimes totaling 20.7% of arrests, but for males disorderly conduct tallied the next highest number with a figure of 9.8% (FBI, 2004). ).In Bangladesh crime statistics show that, 1733 delinquent were arrested in august 90 to December 99 in Dhaka city which were, 716 pick- pocketing, 115 robbery, 255 arms/bombs bearing, 162 terrorism, 86 women oppression, 58 murder, 59 drug related offense and 252 . Eminent Sociologist Abdul Hakim Sarker Shows in his study entitle “Juvenile delinquency in Dhaka City Experience” that juvenile are committed such crime 70.70% offences under 54 Cr.p.c and D.M.P Rules (54, Crpc and DMP rules mainly speak of regulations against petty offences and offence like gambling and prohibition in which arrests are possible without warrant),.02% offences against person, 17.94% offences against property,0.64% offences against public justice, and 10.70% Miscellaneous . He also showed that juvenile offender comes in correctional center for police case where 86.67% theft, 6.67% murder and 6.67% smuggling as well as for guardian case where 96.76% keeping bad company, 79.51% stealing property of own family, 85.55% truancy, 16.87% stealing others property, 50.60% smoking, 71.09% visiting cinema hall, 9.63% drinking alcohol, 30.12% gambling, 2.40% robbery, 1.20% hijacking, 2.40% pick-pocket, 10.65% illicit sex involvement and 3.61% violation of peace norm (. Moreover, juvenile are committed 59% stealing, 8% murder, 26% Pick-Pocketing and 7% fraudulence (Karzon, 2008: 375).
Caldwell, Michael, W. (2007), says sexual offence are more committed by juvenile offender. Juvenile sex offenders were nearly ten times more likely to have been charged with a non sexual offense than a sexual offense. None of the 54 homicides (including three sexual homicides) was committed by a juvenile sex offender. Only a slightly greater proportion of recidivists than non-recidivists came from broken homes. Females were more likely than males to come from broken homes regardless of whether they were repeat offenders or not . Winokur, Cass & Blankenship explained in their article that Recidivism rates were lowest for non-residential releases (33% re-adjudicated/convicted) and maximum-risk, residential programs (32% re-adjudicated/convicted), and highest for low-risk and moderate-risk programs (each at 44% re-adjudicated . However, the main objective of the article is firstly, to find out the causes of juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh secondly, which types of class factor are responsible to be a juvenile recidivist and finally, how to be a juvenile become recidivist from early stage of lives. Mainly the article firstly discussed the introductory statement, secondly methodological problem, thirdly findings and finally concluding remarks.
2. Methodology
The research design is embedded within the qualitative method due to exploratory nature of the problem. Every juvenile recidivist in the juvenile Development center is the unit of analysis of the study. There have not found any juvenile recidivism related study in Bangladesh though it is vital concerning issues in the present world. So, it is eagerly necessary to study of juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh. For this reason, the study was conducted in Juvenile Development Center in Bangladesh. The study has selected because of following reason: - firstly, there has written identity regarding juvenile recidivist; secondly, the data is reliable more than the rest of the area; thirdly, the data is collected easily at a same area; fourthly; the data is low biased and finally it is easily possible to find out what are the causes of juvenile recidivist. The total juvenile in Kishori Unayan Kendra was 150 but there was not found any single juvenile recidivist. The total juveniles in Kishor Unayan Kendra are 200 where 195 is juvenile delinquent and only 5 juvenile recidivists were recorded. Data had been collected through in-depth personal interview by using ‘guide questionnaire’ due to it helped to put on more and in-depth data by having face to face conversation.
Qualitative method had been used for processing and analysing data. From the qualitative method descriptive and thematic analysis has been used because both analyses help collecting in-depth and real data. Here, it is must to mention that nick name had been used for the privacy of the respondent. Personal interpretation had been used by basis of the statement of respondent. Finally, it is necessary to mention that Microsoft Word 2007 had been used for data processing and analysis in computer program.
3. Findings of the Study
Juvenile recidivism is a new and concerning problem in Bangladesh in the modern world. When juvenile committed delinquent or criminal activity and then he/she gets penalty or punished from juvenile court or prison or correctional institution. After releasing from prison or correctional institution, he/she commits repeated crime or delinquent activity frequently which term is called juvenile recidivism.
Firstly, it has been discussed with Bidhan juvenile recidivist in juvenile development center where he expressed the causes of juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh in following way:
Interviewer: Who many times do you having spent in child development centre?
Bidhan: Yaah. I have come in the correctional center in two times. (Ami dui ber ekhane aisi)
Interviewer: Kindly, would you tell me in briefly why did you convict at first time?
Bidhan: Why not? Of course I tell the event. My daily life was troublesome because our family income was not enough for maintaining standard of living. Hence my mother sent me a merchant for working in his workplace (amader songsare onek kosto coltisilo tai amake ma ek mohajoner kase kaz korer jonni pathaisilo). I worked under the merchant and maintainedthe order of merchant properly. Sometimes the merchant tortured me. But nobody had forbidden him. I said my mother about the matter of torture. In the consequences my mother said me what can I and you now. It is our bad luck and pleases my son having worked with him and learned the work. Then you will do the work own self (amake majemodde mohajon morto kajer jonni ami onek kantam kintu keo firaito na, ei kotha ami ma ke bolsilam tate amake onek bujaia bolsilo ki korba bap amader pora kopal tui mohajoner pase laige thak tate kaj shikte parbi khaiteo parbi, pore nijeo kaj koira khaite parbi).
It is possible to mention that poverty is main cause of creating any kinds of criminal activities because poverty directly influences to commit the crime (40% juvenile strongly agree, 20% juvenile undecided, 20% juvenile disagree that poverty is the causes of juvenile recidivism). The respondent familial condition is insolvent. As a result the guardian of the respondent family sent him to work with another rich people whose was a shop, a working place. So, the juvenile are obliged to do any work is following instruction of the merchant. The merchant also tortured of the juvenile who is the respondent. It is violated the article 32 of UNCRC where discussed prohibited the child labor. It has also occurred the violation of the human rights which included the article 19 of UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the rights of the child), article 4 of UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights), article 8 of ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), article 8 of ICESCR (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights).Here it is seen that the implication of laws is not properly used in the society. As a result not only adults but also a child or juvenile are also victim of any kinds of illegal activity. The illiterate guardian is helpless for the reason he suggests her child to work with the merchant again. She thought that the merchant is like as a teacher who helps and teaches her child. The guardian of the child could not imagine the effect of torturing and future effect of her child.
Adult criminal directly influences the juvenile to commit the criminal activity which understood from Bidhan in following way:
Interviewer: I have understood of your comments easily. However, brother then which types of activities did you commit by the abetment of merchant?
Bidhan: One day merchant offered me that theft money from a shop. I couldn’t agree with his offer. Then he tortured me and feared me to the cancellation of the work. So I agree with him to theft from the shop. Owing to the (merchant) taught me how to cut the roof of the shop easily. According to the guideline of the merchant I went to the shop for theft at night approximately 2 am or 2.30 am. I used grill machine to cut the roof of the shop building which does not make any sound. (ami mohajoner kotha moto taka curi korer jonnie ek dukane gasilam praye rat 2 ta kinba 2.30 tar dike, dukane jaiya khub kosto kore chade uthi, chade utaay mohajoner kota moto ki jeno mechine shobto hoy na o hoy mone hoy grill machine e shobto hoy na kinto oetto oda dia ami chade kaitta fhalaisilam). He also suggested me after cutting the roof, you entered into the shop. According to his advise I cut the wallet (money box) but when I tried to come out from the shop, one person who was the servant of the shop caught me red handed (tarpor ami dokane duke porsilam, duker por takar baxo kaitte taka nia ber hoya jabor somoy kormochari amake dhore phalay and attkaiafalay).
It refers that how a one person directly influence committing the criminal activities. The criminal means that merchant directly teaches the techniques and method to the juvenile how to do theft from shop for gaining money. It is also explained by the Gresham and David Matza’s Techniques of Neutralization: A theory of delinquency where says the techniques and method reduce the social control for the reason the juvenile committing crime on the basis of the theory. He did not think the consequences of the theft and the condition of the juvenile. The juvenile was agreeing to theft because of the fear of the merchant and juvenile also thought that he would also be a benefited from the theft. In a nutshell it is said that the merchant is really a serious offender, he may influence not only the juvenile to commit the criminal activities but also he operates others person to commit the criminal activities. Such kinds of criminal never think the result of the criminal activities. Otherwise, he could not give direction the juvenile to commit the criminal activities. At last the juvenile will turn into a criminal and also caught red handed.
Interviewer: What do you think that who is responsible of your juvenile recidivist activity? And also what did you think that what might be, if you would not be a juvenile recidivist?
Bidhan: Obviously, our poverty and the merchant are responsible for my juvenile recidivist activity. I also included that I was fostered in my grandmother (nani) house but my grandmother died. I came back my own house. (He said that in the soft voice) If my grandmother was alive, I think that I could not commit the crime. (amarjodi nani-nana beche thakto tahole ami hoito ei sob kaj korme lipto hotam na, ami valo moto lekha pora kortam karon amar nani nana amake onek valo basto) Now in second time I had got the release order but the correctional center could not give me release (ami sunlam ekhon amer muktir order hoye gase kitu kobe j amake jaite dey ami koite parsi na kobe je jai).
It is revealed that the legal guardian, appropriate care and supports help the juvenile to be a non delinquent or non criminal because legal guardian and appropriate care of the guardian helps to be a good person by their counseling, monitoring and assisting. Otherwise, child is the follower and motivated person because every child is motivated by the adult easily. The motivation may be negative or positive which helps him to be a criminal or non criminal. Adult person should be given positive motivation of the child because child is the future of any nation.
Secondly, I had discussed with Hasan Juvenile recidivist in juvenile development center in following way:
Interviewer: Hasan, Would you tell me your first time delinquent history?
Hasan: I used to go to school regularly but in the time I was introduced one of my uncle (Rostom) who was political leader.He also loved me very much.I realized that he (uncle) is my well wisher. But in the stage he always used me to do his work. He asked me to buy biri, cigarette and beef for him. In this way I also learned how to take biri, cigarrate and beaf. Lastly I also learnt how to take the drugs with the assistance of my uncle. My parents did not know about such kinds of activities. They only knew that uncle saw me as like his son. One day uncle had committed quarrel with another political group for the reason of political conflict. There had been committed violence between two political parties. So when the violence has been committed. I also participated in the violence for assisting my uncle according to his guidelines. Actually my uncle always used me to do his work. According to his guidelines I killed a person with Iron bar. (amader alakay ami ekjon k mama boltam je mama group korto tai ekdin onno group er sathe jogra lagle ami mamar kotha moto onno group er ekjon k rod dia aghat korsilam). When my parents knownas the history of occurrence and my activities with my uncle, thenparents sent me to Dhaka for work with the faraway relative ( ei karone amar babama amake ek dur somporker atmio er sathe Dhakay Phatay kaj korer jonno). After coming Dhaka my relative introduced me with one of the person who was live in Jatrabari in Dhaka. One day my relative said me that you get together with the person who gives you a good work and my relative also said me that he would contact with me later (amar ei atmio ek baktir sathe amake poricoy kore dey jini Dhakar Jatrabari tahkto, aro amr relative amake bolsilo ei tomar mama hoy unioe tomake valo kaj dibo tumi or sathe thako ami pore ashe tomake dekhe jabo). As a result my relative did not come back yet. Otherwise, the person introduced me with the some other juvenile who were begged in the Dhaka city.Then the person offered me to beg. When I did not accept his offer he tortured me. Seeing the torture of others juvenile suggested me, youshould accept his offer without you would be tortured more and more. At last I agreed with the person to do begging. I used to go to do begging with the juvenile. Sometimes I asked to go to my home but the person could not give permission to go. The juvenile there told me that if you try to escape from the person (Sordar), then the person tortured him seriously. Otherwise I couldn’t get any chance to escape because the person and others juvenile always keep in eye ( ami majemodde barite jaite caitam kintu oi lokti amake jaite koito na tasara amar sathe je salera thakto ora amare koito palaye jaite cesta korle legti tomake onek marbe, tasara lokti and amar sather salara amake cokhe cokhe roakto).In the further consequences all the juvenile were to be my friend. So the juvenile (now peer group) used to take ganza, wine and they also taught me how to take ganza and wine. Then I also learned how to take ganzo, wine ( aste aste okhankar salera amr bondhu hoiya gasilo tarpor ami oder dektam ora mod, ganza khay tai amio khaitam). One day I went to airport for begging but police arrested mefirst time and they sent me juvenile correctional center (ami ekdin airport er kase vikhabritti korte gasilam se din police amake arrest kore ei khane ni aisilo).
Here, it is mentioned that many brokers and political leaders in society directly influence the juvenile to commit the criminal activities (20% juvenile strongly agree, 20 % juvenile undecided that political instability is the causes of juvenile recidivism). As a result juvenile’s crime patterns and trends are now in grievous nature because techniques and motivation are directly taught by the adult.It is possible to explain by Gresham and David Matza’s Techniques of Neutralization: A theory of delinquency. The denial of the responsibility of this theory refers that the deviant act was caused by an outside forced. The respondent is also victim of such kinds of outside force for that reason he is obliged to begging. The techniques of committing crime are also taught by the influence and motivations by the same peer group which also agree with the Sutherland differential association theory which main theme is criminal behavior are learned. Here, it must be mentioned that, according to article 32(b) of Children Act 1974 mentioned that is found begging or is found doing for a consideration any act under circumstances contrary to well being of the child. But it is said that the authority or probation officer does not succeed to well begging of child. It is also being mention that Children Act 1974, The National Children Policy 2011, The National Children Policy 1994; The UNCRC does not properly implicate in Bangladesh otherwise why children are get opportunity to begging.
Interviewer: It is really a tragic history. If you don’t mind, would you tell me, why did you commit the criminal activities in second time?
Hasan: The Court ordered to arrest me. When the police attempt to arrest me, I would try to run away.In the meantime, one motorcyclist makes accident for running. I also had thrown a bricks to the Police. Finally police are able to arrest me. The judges of the court sent me Correctional Center again. Now I stayed in the correctional center for eighteen month and in the consequences I am released from the kishor unayan Kendra in second time. After releasing from the correctional center I came back in my house but my attitude was not satisfied with my parents.I used theft money from the home and took drugs. I could not take heroine but I sold the heroine (ami heroine khaitam na tobe bechtam).
Interviewer: Who did you give the heroine?
Hasan: We have a network which is drugs smuggler (amader ekta madok chorakarber network ase). I had connected with the group leader and they gave me heroine. Then I sold it in my areas as well as some nearest areas.
Interviewer: Have your parents known the matter of selling heroine?
Hasan: Yes. At last my parents as well as villagers know the matters of selling drugs. Villagers forced my parents to leave me in the village. At last my parents made General Diary in the police Station in explaining my activities (amar taka curi ar drug khayar kotha bole amar baba thanay GD Korsilo). Then police arrested me again in third and sent me to correctional center. My parentswrote complaints in the Kishore Unayan Kendra which is guardian case. For that reason police arrested me and took me Kishor Unayan Kendra in third time. I always took wine phensidyle but I could n’t arrest for the crime.
The above discussion it is possible to explain why the juvenile a recidivist criminal and also the consequences of juvenile recidivist activity. The severity and intensity of the criminal activities increased chronologically by the assisting of the political leaders, gang criminal as well as delinquent peer group. In the first time the juvenile were committed the juvenile activities because of the victim by the political leader as well as broker. Secondly the juvenile were committed the criminal activities of lacking of the societal support as well as pick pocketing from the urban areas ( 40% juvenile strongly agree, 20% Juvenile agree that lacking of societal support are also causes of juvenile recidivism). Thirdly the juvenile proved that he is really a professional criminal by selling and taking drugs as well as theft money from his home. In a nutshell it is possible to say that the juvenile recidivist activities do not rise in a day, it is necessary to long time and assisting of the secondary sources. Here also it is also shown that two times the juvenile are convicted by the police cases and only one time is convicted by the guardian cases.
Faisal was also a juvenile recidivist expresses his causes of juvenile recidivism activity in following manner:
Interviewer: Please would you tell me why did you come in correctional center in first time?
Faisal: I read in class ten. When I got free time I used to walk in the town and played Karam board in the club. From the club I introduced with one of my uncles whose name is Moniruddin Bepary.Then uncle communicate with me regularly. Gradually for communicating with each other good relation had been introduced. One day uncle invited me in his home. When I met with uncle, he went to a renowned confectionary store with me. He took me sweet, bread, cingara and puri. Then I came in my house in the permission of uncle. In home I could not say the matter to my parents because they might be forbidden to communicate with uncle. In the way uncle communicated with me day after day. I also used to go with the uncle by missing the class. One day uncle goes to his relative’s home with me and uncle introduced me with his relative. I came back in home lately so that my parents were angry with me that why you miss the class and my father do slapped me. Then I went to uncle and expressed the matter and then uncle gives me consolation and suggestion me to come back home. So I came back in my home. One day uncle came to me with a sad face with a box and said my dear if you gave the box in my relative house I will be benefitted (ekdin Chacha torighori kore eshe amake bolesilo baba tumi jodi ei box ta amer sei attmior kase die aste tahole ami tomar kase chiro runi thakbo). Then I took the box and I entered into the bus with a box but. In mid way police checked the bus and the police checked the box. Unfortunately police found heroine in the box. I expressed all things regarding heroine and uncle. The police did not believe me. Police also tried to found uncle and did not found him. My uncle was escaped from his home. Police arrested me and sent me to Faridpur Thana. Knowing the matter of my parents came in Thana and they requested the police to release me. But police did not obey the request of my parents. Then the police sent me to court for the judgment but the court gave ordered me to send the juvenile correctional center. After eight month I got bail from the juvenile correctional center by ordering the court. Lastly the court gave ordered me to release.
It is revealed that the unidentified criminal directly influenced and motivated the juvenile to engage with the criminal activities. They directly and indirectly teach the method and techniques to commit the criminal activities as well as careful parents are also indirectly influencing the juvenile to commit the juvenile activities. In the consequence the juvenile turn into a recidivist criminal because the societal in acceptance, engages with the gang criminal as well as lack of proper treatment.
Interviewer: Thanks, I am able to understand causes of first time criminal activity. I think when you release from the correctional center, you would try to adapt in the society. But why did you second time committed criminal activity?
Faisal: I came back in my family. Then I could no run study because I could afford appear the exam. So I would be frustrated and always go at the home though my parents forbade me. I was introduced with some of my friends whose character was not good. I accompany with them regularly. From them I taught how to take drugs and heroine. Sometimes I used to go to brothel in Faridpur but my parents did not know the matter. In the brothel I made a quarrel with the prostitute. So from the brothel the police arrested me and the police sent me to correctional center in second time (bolte isse kortesana sorom kortese, na boli ami ekdin naughty paray gasilam sekhane ek mayer sathe amr jogra lagsilo tai dekhe police amake dhore nia gasilo). I did not know when I will get released from the correctional center (ami jani na khokhon ekhan theke mukti pabo).
It is concluded that the bad peer group directly influenced he juvenile commit the criminal activities. As a result the respondent did not take drugs but also engage with the sexual crimes. It is also possible to explain by the Personality or Psychological theory that when the juvenile suffering from emotional deprivation, failure in respect of internalizing moral principles and emotional reasons as well as aggressive response towards authority. Then the juvenile must be engaged with the criminal activities. For that reason the juvenile are taking drugs and also committed sexual crime in the brothel.
Salim was also a juvenile recidivist mention his juvenile recidivism activity in following way:
Interviewer: Are you helping me to know the causes of your first time criminal activities?
Salim: Of course. I was good student but in time I engaged with some of my friends who was took biri, beef, ganja etc. My friends were enforced me to take such kinds of things but I could n’t take it firstly. Lastly I took the biri, cigarette, beef, ganja etc.(ami sotobelay valo satro silam kintu ami amar kisu bondhuder sathe mishe jai tara biri, pan, gaza khaito, ora maje modhe amake zor korto khaoar jonno kintu ami khaitam na. Fole protidin zor korte korte ami ekporjaye esob khaoa shikhe feli). We used to go to school with some of girls from my village. Among the girl Rubi was illustrious beauty. Her beauties’ impressed me. So I loved her from my heart. My friend always made fun with me that Ruby is very beautiful. My friends challenged with me you must fall in love with Ruby.But Ruby did not love me because Ruby know that I always take drugs (amra bondhura o kisu mayera mila ekshathe school jaitam, ei mayader modde Ruby kore khub sundori ekta maya silo jake ami mone mone posondo kortam, amar bondhurao amake khapayto Ruby Ruby kore, Sheshe ek porjaye eshe Ruby amake valo vasto na karon ami biri, cigarrete khaikinto amar sathe misti misti kotha bolto tai ami mone kortam oi amake valobashe). One day I heard Ruby is pregnant by me. But believe me I can’t do it because Ruby was not love me yet. Salish has been held in the village where declared that I am responsible for that pregnancy and they told me get marry of her. But I did not accept the proposal.In the consequences, villagers suggested the Ruby’s parents to make file the cases. At last they were filing the cases in the court. The court judges the cases and at last the court sent me to juvenile correctional center. In the consequences the court had trialed the proper judgment. Finally prove that I am innocent. Because among the witness Razib forgetly expressed that sir actually Salim was not responsible for the pregnancy Azahar commited theactivites (ek porjaye eshe adalote bichar hole amar ek bondhu Razib sikar kore je sir salim ei kaj kore nai Azahar ei kam korsilo karon Azahar ei kam korer somoy amake pahara dite bolsilo, ami tai pahara disilam kintu ami age ei kotha sikar korsilam na karon Azahar amake mairer voy dekhaisilo, shesh muhurte Ruby k ukil jera korle Ruby Ashol Kotha boile disilo). At last I released from the correctional center though the cases had been running.
Here it is possible to explain that the juvenile engaged with the bad peer group where they were directly influencing the commission of criminal activities (60% juvenile strongly agree that bad peer group causes the juvenile recidivism). As a result, the juvenile takes the drugs and in the consequences he will be delinquent and try to commit criminal activities as well as in the consequences he engaged with the sexual crimes. For the reason the juveniles are convicted for the sexual crime.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing with me of your pathetic history. Now, tell me the causation of second time committing criminal activities.
Salim: One day I went to behind Rubies house but I saw that Ruby is only alone in the home. I went to her home and I tried to rape but Ruby cried and villagers come to hear the crying. Then the villagers caught me red handed and called the police and the police arrested me ( ami sara paile ekdin Rubider barir samne dia jaite lagsilam hothat kore lokho kore deklam Rubider barite keo nai, tai hothat kore amar rag utsilo j oe amake ojotha mitha kotha bole jail khataise tai ami oke dorshon korer udheshe akromon chalaisilam kintu bujte parsilam na j ashe pasher lokjin coila aibo, tarpor lokjon amake dhoira phalay abong police k khobor dile amake dhore nia jay tarpor amake abar correctional center pathia dey). (Salim cried and said) I do not know that what is the tenurement in the correctional center and I think that I could not get released from the correctional center (Salim kade kade bole jani na r kotodin amake ekhane thakte hobe amar ei vul kajer jonno).
The above statement revealed that the juvenile committed attempt to sexual crime because of aggressiveness of previous event which are able to explain by the personality or psychological theory which says that suffering emotional deprivation and aggressive response towards authority helps to commit crime.
Masum Juvenile Recidivist expressed his techniques about the juvenile recidivism activity in following way:
Interviewer: Why did you come in correctional center in first time?
Masum: Yes. I stayed in the home alone because my parents were always busy for their services. I got opportunity to do anything. I went to school regularly and in the school I had many friends. Some of my friends requested me to go cinema hall and they always went to Chinese restaurant with me. So I expensed money with my friends in different places in different ways which is to take drugs (ami bivinnovabe amar bondhuder sathe taka bay kortam jemon madok nitam). My parents observed me and found my attitudes are not well than previously behaved. (He also said confusedly) One day I saw the blue film in the computer in my room but my father saw it and in that time he could n’t say anything ( kivabo bolvo ekdin ami amar room a kharap sobi dekte lagsilam kintu hothat kore amar baba dekhe fele kintu amake tokhon kisu bolsilo na). Then my father discussed it with my mother and in the consequences they always tried to observe me and went to my school, checked my result and mark which was not satisfied. They also found my all friends and found my friend were not good in character. They took drugs as well as went to brothel. For the reason my parents forbade me that you could not accompany with them. I could not maintain their rules I accompanied with them and took drugs as well as also went to brothel. My parents tool decision to admit one in school in Dhaka. I saw that they kept me to juvenile correctional center and they previously made diary in Thana by my parents (amar babama amake Dhakay notun school a vorti koranor kotha bole amake ekhane rekhe gasilo kintu ami ekhane ese ami bujte parlam tara ageo thanay diari korsilo). In first time I released from the correctional center within eight months.
It refers that the juvenile is upper class people where he expensed much money than his friends. As a result the network of friend circle was extended. Owing to it is possible to explain the friend circle directly influence the juvenile to commit the crime and also take drugs. The event is explained by the Krohn’s Network analysis theory which refers a set of actors, individuals or groups linked friendship or some other relationship which directly influence the committing criminal activities. On the other hand the guardian did not properly supervise and take care of the juvenile. As a result the juvenile are committing juvenile activity in the absence of the guardian when the juvenile stay at home alone. It is explained by the Cohen and Felson’s Routine Activity theory which refers that absence of capable guardian; motivated offender and suitable target directly influence the criminal to commit the juvenile where the juvenile engaged with the criminal activity in the absence of his parents, bad peer groups motivated him and his targets i.e. pornography.
Interviewer: I have completely understood about the causes of your first time criminal activities. I think you will also tell me why did you come in correctional center in second time? If you do not feel boring, you must tell me.
Masum: I have already told the cause of the first time to come in the correctional center. I also told the causes of coming in correctional center in second time. After releasing from the correctional center, I went to my house. Then my parents admitted me to school again. So I studied attentively and my parents always supervised me. In the way my parents could not take care as like as previous because they thought I am now well. But I again engaged with the drugs and took drugs regularly. At last my parents observed me again. I could not respect their instruction because drug always influenced me (abar madok neya suru korle amar baba make abar bivinno poramorsho dito koito ami mantam na karon drug amake mone hoy dakto). I brought heroine from my friends. When I came back from my friends with heroine but police knows the event and searched me and found heroine (ami ekdin heroine nia amar bondhur bari theke astesilam kintu asar pothe bujte parlam police amake sondeho korteso tai ami palie jaoar chesta korle police amake dhore phele abong amake check kore heroine payasilo eijonno amake police arrest korsilo). Then police arrested me and sent me jail. Then the court had trialed the cases. At last court sent me to juvenile correctional center again.
It is revealed that juvenile does not properly correct from correctional center because why he takes drugs again after releasing from the correctional center. The juvenile takes drugs for gaining power as well as treated drugs as a part of life. The juvenile cannot leave drugs. It is explained by David McClelland theory which says personal powerfulness (P-Power), Social Power (S-Power) directly influence the juvenile to take drugs where the juvenile think he will gain super power, become popular and will be less destructive. In the consequence juvenile takes drug without effect of next life. It is possible to say that the juvenile will be committing recidivist activity as like as Masum because of grasping of drugs.
4. Conclusion
Juvenile recidivism is now common and new problem in Bangladesh which were emerged after the study because the juvenile recidivist will become a serious offender for expertness and skillful of criminal activity. In addition to, the main findings of the study are drugs and sexual offences are committed more in Bangladesh by the juvenile recidivist. It is also found that the most of the cases of juvenile recidivist are reconvicted, rearrested, resentenced, re-adjudicated, probation violated and new charged which are made by police cases but lowest number of cases is guardian cases. Moreover, major factors which are bad peer group adult criminal, gang and political party, using drugs, lack of parental care, poverty, unemployment, urban environment, lack of education, and lack of appropriate guardian directly influence the juvenile to commit the juvenile recidivist activity in Bangladesh. Unidentified adult criminal are more responsible to be a juvenile recidivism because they are directly influencing the juvenile to commit criminal activities. Male juvenile recidivists existed in correctional center but female juvenile recidivists are absence in correctional center because the guardian thinks it is the prestigious or sensitive matter for the reason the female guardian does not complain in police station or correctional center. Ages are increased instead of real ages of juveniles while filling the cases in court or in Police station. Because the complainant thinks that juvenile does not get punishment according to Children Act 1974 and also to avoid the burden of juvenile court or correctional center. Moreover, juvenile cannot break away from the circle of criminal syndicate because of strong network of adult criminal. After all, juvenile are the future of any nation for the reason juvenile recidivism activity should be reduced or control. So, the government and policy maker should come forward to control or reduced as well as created awareness and consciousness among of all classes’ people in Bangladesh .
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no Conflicts of Interest.
References
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    Alam, M. J., Kamruzzaman, M. (2024). Juvenile Recidivism in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study on Juvenile Development Center, Gazipur. Science Journal of Education, 12(3), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11

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    Alam, M. J.; Kamruzzaman, M. Juvenile Recidivism in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study on Juvenile Development Center, Gazipur. Sci. J. Educ. 2024, 12(3), 32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11

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    Alam MJ, Kamruzzaman M. Juvenile Recidivism in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study on Juvenile Development Center, Gazipur. Sci J Educ. 2024;12(3):32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11

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  • @article{10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11,
      author = {Mohammad Jahangir Alam and M. Kamruzzaman},
      title = {Juvenile Recidivism in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study on Juvenile Development Center, Gazipur
    },
      journal = {Science Journal of Education},
      volume = {12},
      number = {3},
      pages = {32-39},
      doi = {10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjedu.20241203.11},
      abstract = {Juvenile Recidivism is relatively new and legal term in modern world which stimulates the repetition of criminal behavior among the juvenile. Juvenile delinquent and juvenile recidivist activity has been increased due to the Development of technology, indiscrimination, unplanned modernization, industrialization, urbanization and over politicization. Juvenile Recidivism mostly incites the future evils younger generation due to severe and heinous effect of consequent juvenile criminal behavior among the juvenile. On the basis of this problem, juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh has been studied to explore what are main causes of juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh and also to identify which social factor is responsible for being to be juvenile recidivism as well as to justify how juvenile become a juvenile recidivist from the early stage of lives. Qualitative method has been used in the study within in-depth interviewing as well as face to face conversation. The major findings of the study is poverty, lack of parental care, bad peer group, living in slum area, engaged with unreported adult criminal, gang and political leader which are directly influence juvenile to commit the criminal activity for this reason juvenile turn into a juvenile recidivist. It had also found that sexual and drugs related offences are committed by the maximum number of juvenile recidivist in Bangladesh. Finally it had found that lack of proper treatment in Development center, inexperienced probation officer and lack of legal juvenile court or juvenile justice system is also increasing juvenile recidivist in Bangladesh.
    },
     year = {2024}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Juvenile Recidivism in Bangladesh: An Exploratory Study on Juvenile Development Center, Gazipur
    
    AU  - Mohammad Jahangir Alam
    AU  - M. Kamruzzaman
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    DO  - 10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11
    T2  - Science Journal of Education
    JF  - Science Journal of Education
    JO  - Science Journal of Education
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    EP  - 39
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2329-0897
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20241203.11
    AB  - Juvenile Recidivism is relatively new and legal term in modern world which stimulates the repetition of criminal behavior among the juvenile. Juvenile delinquent and juvenile recidivist activity has been increased due to the Development of technology, indiscrimination, unplanned modernization, industrialization, urbanization and over politicization. Juvenile Recidivism mostly incites the future evils younger generation due to severe and heinous effect of consequent juvenile criminal behavior among the juvenile. On the basis of this problem, juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh has been studied to explore what are main causes of juvenile recidivism in Bangladesh and also to identify which social factor is responsible for being to be juvenile recidivism as well as to justify how juvenile become a juvenile recidivist from the early stage of lives. Qualitative method has been used in the study within in-depth interviewing as well as face to face conversation. The major findings of the study is poverty, lack of parental care, bad peer group, living in slum area, engaged with unreported adult criminal, gang and political leader which are directly influence juvenile to commit the criminal activity for this reason juvenile turn into a juvenile recidivist. It had also found that sexual and drugs related offences are committed by the maximum number of juvenile recidivist in Bangladesh. Finally it had found that lack of proper treatment in Development center, inexperienced probation officer and lack of legal juvenile court or juvenile justice system is also increasing juvenile recidivist in Bangladesh.
    
    VL  - 12
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Department of Criminology and Police Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh

  • Department of Criminology and Police Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh