AB Siddique :
Ashiya’s death has given a jolt to our society. It has made us aware of how uncivilized we are in this civilized society. Child abuse has now become a common issue. In less than a week, news of at least three rapes of children of the same age in different parts of the country has come to the media, where some of the accused are neighbours of the child who was raped, while others are close relatives.
According to the information of the human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra – ASK, 39 women and children were raped across the country in January alone this year. Of these, 21 were rapes and 18 were gang rapes. The website of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and the Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) research report have recorded different information on violence against women. In February, 57 rapes were reported, including 17 gang rapes, and two rape-related murders. Five of them are disabled girls and women. Of the February rape victims, 16 were children and 17 were teenagers. On the other hand, three teenagers and 14 women were victims of gang rape, and two women were killed after rape. In addition, 19 attempted rapes, 26 sexual harassment, and 36 physical abuse incidents occurred during the month.
The human rights organization- Mandhaka Sanskriti Foundation MSF- stated that the most worrying issue in February was the deterioration of law and order situation across the country. There were more rape incidents in February. In addition, incidents of domestic violence and physical abuse occurred in the same sequence as in previous months, which the report claims is ‘extremely worrying’.
According to a new study by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), about 76 percent of the children who are victims of abuse in Dhaka alone are victims of sexual abuse. And among these children, aged between 14 and 16 are more. The study, titled ‘Child Sexual Abuse: A Study on Cases Filed in Dhaka Metropolitan Police’, surveyed 100 school and college students under the age of 18, and 50 street children in Dhaka city. It analyzed data from 25 cases.
Besides, the Law and Arbitration Center said that 3,438 child rape cases have been filed in Bangladesh in the last eight years, with more victims being raped. Of these, at least 539 are under the age of six. And 933 are between the ages of seven and twelve. The study found that in most cases, children are sexually abused or raped by acquaintances. Rights activists working with women and children say that such acts are mainly committed by exploiting the trust they have in close relatives. They also warn that the situation could worsen if the law and order situation does not improve and the law is not enforced.
Despite the High Court’s instructions to form committees to prevent sexual abuse in workplaces and educational institutions, its implementation has not been seen. Rights activists say that if the directive is implemented, such incidents will decrease. A culture of impunity has always been seen in Bangladesh. In recent times, due to the ‘very bad’ state of law and order and the lack of any kind of accountability, incidents of sexual abuse of children are increasing. We actually have a lot of pedophiles among us. Due to the lack of law and order, an environment has been created around us that – ‘I can do whatever I want’.
In November 2023, a study was published on sexual violence against children in Dhaka Metropolitan city. It highlighted several factors as the reasons why children are victims of sexual abuse. For example, the study mentioned that the abuser’s sexual gratification by establishing relationships with children or having masculine thoughts about him can act as a factor in this case.
The external beauty of the child has also been mentioned as a factor. The study mentioned that the environment in which the child lives can also become an important factor. For example, children living in disadvantaged or dangerous places are more at risk. The same is being said in the case of the lower class.
The study mentions some other factors including uncontrolled lifestyle, hostile attitude, family conflict as causes of child rape. The most effective way to stop sexual abuse and rape of children is to improve the law and order situation. One of the reasons why criminals refrain from committing crimes is the fear of punishment. Acid violence was once very common in Bangladesh. After the government took action, it has decreased. Similarly, if the law and order situation is improved and some examples of punishment are created, it will also decrease.
However, this rights activist also believes that it is not possible to stop sexual abuse and rape of children by improving the law and order situation alone. Because, many incidents do not even reach the police. In that case, it is necessary to increase awareness and surveillance on the part of the parents and teach children about this. Especially, due to the lack of awareness among the parents about this issue, they are not able to make their children aware. As a result, children are suffering. Many times, they do not understand what is happening to them. As a result, children cannot separate these incidents and tell their parents about them. In that case, first of all, parents need to be aware of the safety of their children. Not only in the case of people outside the house or strangers, but also in the case of acquaintances and close relatives.
The 2020 law states that (1) If a man rapes a woman or child, he shall be punished with death penalty or life imprisonment. (2) If a woman or child dies as a result of rape by a person or his other actions after the rape, then that person shall be punishable with death penalty or life imprisonment and in addition shall be punishable with a fine of at least one lakh taka.
Although there is a law, it is not implemented in practice. It is said that ‘The Qazi’s cow is in the book but not in the barn’. The situation in our country is the same. There are many laws, but the law is not implemented. And if the law is not implemented, crime will increase, it is natural. Strict laws and their effectiveness are needed to reduce or stop child abuse.
(Author is a journalist and
columnist.)
