Girls still unsafe amid rights pledges
Girls’ right to live free from violence remains a major challenge in Bangladesh, with thousands of children subjected to rape, murder and other forms of abuse despite legal safeguards and repeated commitments to protect them.
The scale of violence has renewed concerns over the effectiveness of child protection mechanisms as the country observed the International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday.
At least 3,487 children were raped, 2,598 killed and 11,458 injured in various incidents between 2021 and 2026, according to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The figures cover the period reported so far in 2026.
The latest statistics come amid public outrage over the rape and murder of a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Cumilla, where the accused CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver reportedly confessed to the crime before a court.
Observed globally on October 11, the day highlights girls’ rights, safety and empowerment.
This year’s theme, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights”, calls for stronger action against violence, discrimination and exploitation.
According to HRSS, child rape cases accounted for nearly 57 per cent of the 6,153 rape cases recorded nationwide during the period.
The organisation also documented 1,255 incidents of sexual harassment involving children and 131 cases in which children were killed after rape.
Cumilla tragedy renews safety concerns
The recent killing of Jannatul Tajmin has further highlighted the risks girls face in their daily lives.
Police said the schoolgirl hired a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driven by Sumon Mia, 35, from the Paduar Bazar area on the night of October 7, agreeing to pay Tk 300 to reach home.
The driver allegedly took her to a secluded area in Lalmai upazila, where he raped and killed her.
Her body was recovered from a paddy field on Thursday morning. Police arrested the accused in Chattogram on Friday.
He reportedly made a confessional statement before a Cumilla court on Saturday under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and was subsequently sent to jail.
Hundreds face violence in a month
HRSS recorded at least 236 women and girls experiencing various forms of violence across the country in September. Of them, 79 were raped, including 47 children and adolescent girls.
Thirteen were subjected to gang rape, while 49 others, including 25 children, experienced sexual abuse.
Five women and girls, including three minors, were killed after rape, while another woman died by suicide following rape.
Dowry-related violence claimed six lives and injured four women and girls, while another died by suicide. Domestic violence killed 43 women, injured 27 and reportedly drove 26 to suicide.
The report was compiled using information from 16 national media outlets and HRSS’s own investigations.
Separately, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad recorded at least 49 cases of rape involving women and girls in September, including 30 girls under 18.
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reported that at least 195 children were killed in various forms of violence during the first six months of 2026.
Of the victims, 76 were aged 13-18, 61 were six or younger, and 49 were aged seven to 12. The ages of nine victims were not specified.
Physical torture was among the leading causes of death, while 21 children were killed following rape.
The figures compiled by different rights organisations vary, reflecting differences in their monitoring methods and sources.
Calls for stronger investigations and justice
Human rights expert Barrister Faran Md Aaraf told The New Nation that public awareness, effective investigations and a more responsive judicial system were essential to combating rape and other violence against children.
Referring to debates over punishment for rape, he said Bangladesh’s previous prime minister had advocated the death penalty or life imprisonment, while penalties in other countries varied according to their legal frameworks and the circumstances of individual cases.
Aaraf stressed that allegations should be investigated fairly, including those arising from personal disputes, to prevent innocent people from being wrongfully implicated while ensuring genuine victims receive justice.
“Child rape is a very serious issue, and public awareness must be increased to address it,” he said.
He called for forensic evidence to be collected promptly after complaints are lodged and sent for examination without delay.
Expediting trials was also essential to prevent prolonged legal proceedings and improve access to justice, he added.
The latest figures and the Cumilla tragedy have underscored the gap between commitments to girls’ rights and the protection they receive in practice.
Rights advocates say stronger safeguards, accountability and timely justice are essential to ensuring that every girl can live without violence, exploitation or fear.
