Bangladesh: UNICEF raises alarm over rising violence against children

UNICEF has expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of violence against women and children in Bangladesh and called for immediate steps to strengthen protection systems and ensure justice for victims. In a statement, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, said the organisation was deeply shocked and saddened by recent cases of rape and killings involving children in places where they were expected to be safe.  
She said the increasing reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children in Bangladesh in 2026 highlight the urgent need for stronger child protection measures, prevention of gender-based violence, child-friendly justice systems and better social support services. There is also a need for psychosocial support for the women and children, with far stronger accountability of schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care settings, Rana Flowers said.
The UN agency further appealed to the public and media to respect the dignity and privacy of survivors by avoiding the sharing of photographs, videos or personal details of victims on social media.  The agency encouraged people to report abuse and exploitation through available protection services, including Child Helpline 1098.
As per Dhaka Tribune report, Bangladesh on Friday witnessed protests over rising incidents of child rape as residents and activists in Pallabi and other parts of Dhaka demanded justice for eight-year-old slain girl, who was raped and killed on Tuesday. Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) also expressed deep concern over the recent surge in child abuse, rape, and murder cases, saying the killing of seven-year-old slain girl in Pallabi, along with other recent incidents, has once again exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s child protection system.
ASK reported that between January and Wednesday, at least 118 children were raped, while 46 others were victims of attempted rape. At least 17 children were killed following rape or attempted rape during the same period. In its statement, ASK said such incidents were not isolated crimes but reflected systemic failures in state protection mechanisms and a broader crisis of social accountability.