Sharif

Abstract

This chapter is a case study of a remarkable individual—Sharif (not his real name)—whom I was lucky enough to meet during my time in Bangladesh. The book ends with his story. It is one of courage and resilience as he himself, now in his 50s, lived on the streets of Dhaka as a child and was drawn into gangs and organised crime by the need to survive. Sharif’s story is included for several reasons. First, because it offers a rich explanation of street children’s involvement in crime, in 1970s’ Bangladesh, and hence poses questions about the issue now. Second, because Sharif’s experiences epitomise many of the arguments made in this book and helps to provide a historical context to the study. Finally, I promised Sharif that I would tell his story so that others could hear it, so that they could learn from it and so that, maybe, we might be able to do something to better protect children like Sharif. We both share the same ambition.