Three hundred and ninety-nine children were victims of rape and attempted rape in the last six months, according to Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Of them, 44 were victims of attempted rape. Eight of the victims were boys, while 16 children were killed after rape. Sexual assault left 47 girls and two boys injured, it said.

The data was collected from six national dailies between January and June.

An MJF press release issued yesterday said the culture of impunity prevailing in the country is enabling the increase in violence against women and children.

Considering the recent surge in rapes agaisnt children, the rights organisation called on the government to take effective measures to stop violence against children. 

Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of MJF said local-level committees would have to be formed to fight the social menace.

“Parents, children’s organisations, rights organisations, schools, colleges and local youths have to work together to resist such crimes,” she said in the statement.