NGOs demand justice over incidents of child rape, abuse, and murder
17 March 2025Ain O Shalish Kendra (ASK), Breaking the Silence (BTS), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Plan International Bangladesh, and Save the Children held a joint press conference – Protest and Concern Expressed by Child Rights NGOs on Child Rape, Abuse, and Murder – at the Dhaka Reporters Unity to express their grave outrage at the continuous sexual violence incidents that have plagued the nation and led to widespread protest. They expressed a number of demands from the government, including strengthening the justice system and holding the preparators accountable and making the issues of safety and exploitation from sexual violence a priority in their agenda.
The conference brought media colleagues together to stand in solidarity for justice and due process from the government in holding perpetrators accountable. The most recent brutal rape and death of the 8-year-old in Magura reveals the vulnerability of children amongst family and space where they feel safe. It is one of many incidents that sheds light on the need to break the culture of silences, associating stigmas on victims, and the need for a safe environment where children feel secure. The recent wave of sexual violence, abuse, rape, murder, and attempted murder in the country has left the country profoundly saddened and alarmed. This crisis is not only destroying children’s lives but also weakening the very foundation of our society.
The increasing violence against girls in Bangladesh has shocked the nation and sparked protests across the country. In solidarity with these protests, the conference served to uniting voices for justice and change today. Lastly, they urged the need for functional and accountable institutions, including the formation of the Department of Children Reform Commission that will effectively address the issues of children falling prey to sexual violence and the need for justice against perpetrators.
The press conference urged the government to address the issue of children, especially as they are the safest and easiest targets for the perpetrators, and to hold families, communities, and our society to ensure protection for children.
Related pages
