Street children remain one of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, not just in Bangladesh but also worldwide. Several socio-economic and structural factors contribute significantly to their vulnerability and keep them away from fundamental rights, basic services, and chances that create a harsh situation, including violence, physical abuse, and exploitation, making their lives hazardous and challenging. This study is an attempt to identify the reasons behind exacerbated hardship faced by street children and propose interventions tailored to their long-term protection. The primary data for this qualitative study are collected from street children in Khulna district. This consists of in-depth interviews that were guided by a semi-structured schedule. A two-stage sampling strategy was adopted involving the mixing of respondent-assisted sampling and grab sampling, thereby selecting some twenty participants from different areas. Data analysis was initiated using NVivo 15 software to ensure accuracy and the credibility of the results. The findings reveal that street children face profound challenges, including chronic food insecurity, lack of permanent shelter, and limited access to medical care and educational opportunities, and accordingly experience pervasive violence and physical abuse during their street living. In order to establish a long-term protective strategy, this study explores the hierarchy of needs expressed by street children. Based on their needs, this study identifies and evaluates important need-based interventions like community shelter services, psychological counseling, and skill development training appropriate to the realities faced by the street children. This study emphasizes the pressing necessity for these interventions to assuring the safety and protection of the street children.
