At least 44 children were either raped or subjected to attempted rape in the nine days between May 1 and 9, according to rights body Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

Of them, 41 were raped while there were rape attempts on three victims. Three of the victims were killed after rape, MJF came up with the findings today based on news reports of six national dailies. Of the rape victims, 37 were girls and four were boys.

In a press statement today, MJF expressed grave concern over the increasing number of child rape incidents across the country.

It said incidents of violence against women and children have become so frequent due to the culture of impunity.

Urging the government to take steps to prevent violence and torture against children, MJF said the incident of rape puts short- and long-term impact on children’s physical and mental health and on their social lives. 

MJF also expressed their deep condolence over the death of Shahinoor Akhter Tania, who was killed after being gang raped in Kishoreganj days ago.