The High Court on Sunday, May 17, 2026, issued a rule asking why directives should not be given to formulate necessary regulations, policies, or laws to ensure the protection, rehabilitation, and welfare of street children in Bangladesh. The rule was issued by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan following a writ petition filed by the Equitas Foundation.

The court sought explanations on why the inaction and negligence of the concerned authorities in taking urgent and effective measures to safeguard the fundamental rights of all street children should not be declared illegal and beyond legal authority. It also questioned why the authorities should not be directed to conduct a nationwide investigation and survey on the actual condition of street children, ensure strict monitoring and accountability, and take effective measures to prevent all forms of harassment, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Lawyers Md Tanvir Ahmed, Biplob Kumar Poddar, Barrister Nishad Mahmud, Nur Mohammad Shahin Shahnewaz, and S M Zakir Hossain represented the Equitas Foundation during the hearing.