Bangladesh, June 19 -- Many of Bangladesh's prisons are home to an overlooked and vulnerable group of children who have committed no offence but spend their earliest years behind bars alongside their incarcerated mothers.

These infants and young children often remain with their mothers because they are breastfeeding, too young to be separated, or have no suitable caregiver outside prison.

Rights advocates warn that many face significant health and developmental risks stemming from overcrowded facilities, inadequate nutrition, limited healthcare and unsuitable living conditions.

The issue returned to national attention on 15 June when the High Court directed the authorities to submit, within two months, a report on the number and condi...