In a deeply troubling revelation, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) announced that at least 580 children have been victims of rape and 483 have been murdered in Bangladesh over the past 16 months. Additionally, at least 318 children have been subjected to sexual harassment during this period. These figures were released in a formal statement signed by HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam on Thursday.According to HRSS data, 1,890 children and adolescents faced various forms of abuse between January 2025 and April 2026.
Of these, 483 children were killed, while 1,407 others suffered severe physical or mental abuse. The organization noted that the relentless wave of violence against children across the country has become a grave national concern. The statement demands immediate, impartial, and thorough investigations into all cases of child murder and rape, insisting that perpetrators must face exemplary punishment.A culture of impunity and slow judicial processes remain major obstacles.
HRSS emphasized that preventing violence such as child murder, rape, and assault is a fundamental constitutional and legal responsibility of the state. However, the recurring nature of these incidents demonstrates that current child protection systems are inadequately effective. The group called for the strict enforcement of laws, improved security for victims` families, free legal support, and access to medical and mental health care.Recent high-profile incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of children.
On May 19, seven-year-old Ramisa Akhter was raped and murdered in Dhaka. Earlier, on May 16, ten-year-old Asia Akhter was raped and strangled in Munshiganj, and on May 14, four-year-old Lamia Akhter was kidnapped and murdered in Thakurgaon. Another tragic case occurred on May 6, when four-year-old Fahima Akhter was killed in Sylhet following an attempted rape.Ensuring a safe Bangladesh for children requires a collective effort.
Preventing such heinous crimes requires more than just law enforcement; it necessitates a resurgence of social resistance and humanitarian values. HRSS has called upon the government, relevant institutions, the media, and the general public to work together to ensure that no more children are subjected to such brutality.
