The country is not safe for female children despite various steps taken by the government for the development and protection of women.
Female children are being the victim of rape, child marriage, murder, kidnapping, and trafficking daily at an alarming rate.
The number of child victims has increased in the last eight months across the country.
According to a survey carried out by National Girl Child Advocacy Forum (NGCAF), said, a total of 574 female children were raped in the last eight months, while 2,474 become the victim of child marriage, 186 girls were killed, 136 were kidnapped and trafficked, and 181 female children committed suicide during the period.
Nasima Akter Jolly, secretary to the forum revealed the information at a press conference at Jatiya Press Club on Friday marking National Girl Child Day-2022.
The NGCAF prepared the report with the help of Educo Bangladesh taking information from 24 newspapers and online reports from January to August of 2022.
Apart from this, some information regarding child marriage has been taken directly from the field level. These data have been collected and analyzed in 56 sub-categories under 13 categories, Jolly said.
She said, according to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000, Speedy Trial Tribunal has to complete the case procedure within 180 days from the date of the filing rape case. But, it is not being practised. The culture of impunity encourages criminals to commit crimes without fear. As a result, torture and violence are on the rise.
The report said, from January to August this year, a total of 136 female children were victims of abduction and trafficking. Trafficked girls are forced into having commercial sexuality. In the 8 months, 2,474 female children were married in 28 districts. During this time, 589 child marriages were stopped with the help of the administration.
Apart from this, 13 married girls were victims of torture due to dowry. Among them, five were killed due to non-payment of dowry, it added.
The report also said 574 female children were raped in the last eight months. Among them, 364 were single rape victims and 84 gang-rape victims. There were 43 female children with disabilities who also become victims of rape.
Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, president of NGCAF, said torture against female children is increasing day by day. It is a disease. If the disease is not treated and prevented, the situation will worsen.
“A beautiful future cannot be built for Bangladesh if we do not create a safe environment and increase opportunities for girl children. Besides, all have to work to change the status and position of mothers of the girls to end their deprivation,” he added.
@ The article appeared on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on October 1, 2022 and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan and Golam Rosul.
