UNICEF, a UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide, has called on the interim government and law enforcement agencies to ensure immediate action and accountability for all reported cases of violence against children through strengthened investigation, prosecution, and judicial processes.
Establishing a specialized child protection unit within law enforcement, trained in trauma-informed investigations and victim-sensitive approaches, is fundamental, said UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers.
Additionally, she said that expanding and professionalizing the social service workforce would provide gender-sensitive, child-centered support for survivors and their families.
To secure justice for victims and survivors, independent and gender-sensitive prosecutors must be appointed to ensure timely prosecution and hold legal actors accountable for meeting the government’s 90-day case resolution target, she added.
The UNICEF Representative expressed being "profoundly horrified" by the alarming rise in reported cases of sexual violence against children, especially girls, in Bangladesh in recent weeks.
"I am especially concerned about the recent surge in horrific cases of child rape and sexual violence, including in places meant to protect and nurture children, such as educational institutions," Flowers said in a statement on recent cases of violence against children on Sunday.
She added that their hearts are especially heavy with the tragic death of an eight-year-old child from Magura a few days ago.
Her death serves as a "devastating reminder" of how children, especially girls, are being subjected to grave violations of their fundamental rights and safety.
Tragically, Flowers said, this young girl’s death is just one of many horrifying acts against children.
According to UNICEF's monitoring, a distressing number of children have reportedly fallen victim to rape and murder in recent months.
From January 2025 to March 16, media and local human rights organizations recorded approximately 50 cases of child rape.
The trend appears to be growing even more concerning — on Monday, March 10, alone, seven children were killed, and six confirmed cases of violence were reported.
"These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent shattered lives, profound trauma for survivors, and unimaginable grief for families and communities," Flowers said.
These incidents have sparked deep concern across the nation, raising urgent questions about the safety and protection of children and adolescents, especially in the hands of people they trust at home and in schools.
According to UNICEF estimates, one in eight girls and women alive today globally experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, and studies in Bangladesh confirm that perpetrators are often known to their victims.
In response to this crisis, UNICEF welcomed the government's order to bring the perpetrators to justice immediately while insisting on calling rape — such a heinous crime — by its rightful name.
UNICEF acknowledged the interim government’s commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy against violence against women and girls.
"We also commend the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for its efforts in removing harmful content from online platforms," Flowers said.
However, while these measures are crucial, they must be part of a broader, sustained effort to address the root causes of violence against children, she noted.
To create a society where every child can grow up free from fear and violence, Flowers said, the interim government and all stakeholders need to take immediate and decisive actions to strengthen and invest in child protection systems.
The media also plays a crucial role in fostering a safer society for children. Authorities should enforce ethical media and child safeguarding policies to protect children’s dignity and well-being during investigations and legal proceedings.
At the same time, Flowers said, media outlets should commit to responsible reporting by safeguarding the identity, privacy, and dignity of child survivors and victims, avoiding sensationalism, and preventing further harm to victims, families, and communities.
Crucially, she emphasized the need for the good men of Bangladesh to stand against all forms of violence and for every parent to raise boys and girls to respect one another, rather than fostering a false sense of entitlement to abuse.
The lack of safety and security for children contributes to the persistence of child marriage and other forms of violence.
"Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and protective environment, both at home and in public spaces. Child survivors must be shielded from further trauma, especially during investigations and legal proceedings," Flowers said.
Survivors deserve dignity, healing, and justice, she added, stressing that it is essential to respect their right to privacy — whether by authorities, media, law enforcement, the judiciary, or the public — to support their recovery.
For child victims, Flowers said, justice must be swift and uncompromising, ensuring accountability for those responsible.
"At UNICEF, we remain steadfast in our commitment to child rights and protection and stand ready to support the interim government in strengthening child protection systems and ensuring a safer Bangladesh for all children," Flowers said.
Courtesy: UNB
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