Child violence on the rise: Study warns
Staff Reporter
Child-related violence, including rape, murder and other forms of abuse, is increasing across the country, causing serious concern among stakeholders, a study said on Sunday.
The study, based on an analysis of news reports published in national and local newspapers, shows that violence against children remains widespread and deeply entrenched. Of 3,352 reports reviewed from 12 media outlets, 1,867 were identified as negative. Nearly two-thirds of these negative reports, 62.66 per cent or 1,170 cases, were related to child rape, murder or fatal violence, pointing to severe threats to children’s sexual and life security.
The report was launched at an event held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital. The programme was organised by Socheton Sangstha with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and the Street Children Activists Network (SCAN) Bangladesh. The event was chaired by Socheton Sangstha General Secretary Sakila Parveen and moderated by MJF Executive Director Shahin Anam.
Among the speakers were Bangladesh Shishu Academy Director General Arju Ara Begum, Joint Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Julia Jesmin, Additional Director of the Department of Social Services Ratan Kumar Halder, Waterkeepers Bangladesh Coordinator Sharif Jamil, and MJF Deputy Programme Manager (Child Safeguarding) Pablo Neruda.
Presenting the findings, SCAN Bangladesh General Secretary Moniruzzaman Mukul said the current situation of children is deeply concerning and reflects systemic failures rather than isolated incidents.
He stressed that all political parties contesting the next national parliamentary elections must include clear and specific commitments to child rights in their election manifestos.
He also called for strict laws and political consensus to keep children away from political violence, as well as speedy trials and strict punishment for child rape and murder.
The report highlights that violence against children remains a defining feature of the current landscape.
Reports of child abuse and physical violence accounted for more than 15 per cent of total media coverage, while child trafficking and sexual exploitation appeared repeatedly throughout the year.
The high concentration of extreme crimes underscores persistent weaknesses in prevention, early intervention and deterrence.
Beyond violent crime, the findings also draw attention to unsafe living environments. An accident rate of 31.19 per cent indicates serious risks from unsafe roads, water bodies and homes, demonstrating that child safety extends well beyond crime prevention alone.
Speaking at the event, Bangladesh Shishu Academy Director General Arju Ara Begum said the country is going through an unstable period, and children are also affected by this instability.
While families play a primary role in child development, she noted that children are often abused by family members themselves, hindering their growth in multiple ways.
She added that although government and non-government organisations are working on child issues, a lack of coordination remains a major challenge, and the Shishu Academy could take on a coordinating role if entrusted.
She also sought stronger cooperation from the media in ensuring child rights.
In her opening remarks, MJF Executive Director Shahin Anam said that children should not be used in the upcoming elections and warned that children living in vulnerable conditions under the interim government have been neglected.
While acknowledging major reforms undertaken by the government, she said no meaningful reform work has focused on children.
She highlighted that children continue to face exploitation and various forms of violence, with marginalised children being particularly vulnerable.
Due to poverty, many are forced into hazardous labour. She reiterated the demand for a separate directorate dedicated exclusively to children, saying it could significantly improve the situation.
“Society cannot function when one group of children enjoys comfort while another is deprived,” she said.
The report also points to a culture of impunity, with the combined rate of child rape and murder reflecting weak law enforcement, delayed trials and inadequate punishment.
According to the findings, ensuring child protection requires urgent political commitment, effective application of laws, greater awareness at family and community levels, and a more child-friendly education system.
The researchers concluded that child protection must be treated as a national political priority, warning that without decisive action, children will continue to face insecurity, violence and neglect across the country.