Child rape almost doubled last year

At least 1,005 children were raped in the country last year, according to a report by the Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum.

The incidents almost doubled compared to 2018, when about 571 children were raped, it added.

Between 2015 and 2019, at least 3,136 children were raped but only 164 of the cases had been disposed of, the BSAF said, observing that the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators was the reason behind the frequent incidents of rape.

The BSAF, a network of NGOs working on child rights, prepared the report based on news items published in 15 national dailies.

Other forms of violence including murder, sexual harassment and abduction have also increased last year, the BSAF said at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

At least 448 children were killed last year while it was 418 in 2018.

The number of children subjected to sexual harassment increased to 203 from 130 in 2018. Abduction also went up to 187 from 150, it said.

The report recommended that the government took tough measures against violence against children and ensure prompt justice.

It also urged the authorities to ensure exemplary punishment to the culprits, provide legal support and security to the victim families, and monitor educational institutions.

The report also called upon family members to remain cautious.

BSAF Director Abdus Shahid Mahmood said, “Enforcement of law will not be enough unless moral values are established in society and the people who commit these acts correct themselves.”

He also urged the government to amend the current laws to ensure exemplary and timely punishment.

National Human Rights Commission Chairman Nasima Begum said violence against children should be brought down to zero.