Child rights groups express alarm at rising incidents of child sexual abuse

Several child rights organisations, including Manusher Jonno Foundation, Save the Children in Bangladesh, and Plan International Bangladesh, expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in child rape cases across Bangladesh.

Based on the recent report released by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), incidents of child rape have increased by nearly 75% in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reads a press release.

From January to July 2025, 306 girls were raped, up from 175 cases during the same months of 2024, according to ASK.

Shockingly, 49 of these children are aged between 0 and 6, while the rest are from 7 to 17.

Moreover, cases were not filed in 152 instances, leaving them out of the justice system, and many incidents remain unreported.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has also reported that 60% of all rape cases are below the age of 18.

Even boys fall prey to sexual abuse, as ASK reported rape of 30 boys during this period; however, it is feared that the number is much higher, but is rarely reported.

These numbers highlight a deeply alarming trend and underscore the vulnerability of children within families and outside.

Call for urgent action

In light of these findings, child rights organisations urged the government to ensure strict enforcement of laws meant to protect children.

To ensure the safety and dignity of children, a comprehensive strategy is required that integrates law enforcement, education, healthcare, and social services, they recommended.

A core component of this strategy involves strengthening law enforcement and accountability by ensuring all cases of child rape and sexual abuse are promptly and thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.

This requires the establishment of strict monitoring mechanisms to track the progress of each case.

Law enforcement's capacity should be bolstered through the expansion of child protection social workers and the strengthening of services like Child Helpline 1098 and Child Protection Units (CPU).

It is also vital to implement amendments that enforce the completion of investigations within 15 days and trials in 90 days, with a robust monitoring system to supervise child welfare boards at all levels.

A child-sensitive justice system is also crucial to this effort, which includes creating child-friendly courts and legal procedures to reduce trauma for survivors, while providing legal aid and comprehensive psychosocial support to affected children and their families.

At the community level, nationwide awareness campaigns should be launched to challenge social stigma, promote child rights, and encourage timely reporting of incidents.

Strengthening community-based child protection committees is also key for the early detection of possible risks and for providing effective intervention.

Furthermore, safe learning environments must be a priority.

This involves enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for harassment in all educational institutions, including schools and madrasas, and establishing confidential reporting systems with strict disciplinary measures against abusive teachers or staff.

The overall strategy must also promote public awareness and confidence in national helplines like 999 and 1098 as a primary resource for immediate reporting.

Finally, a responsive media role is necessary to promote responsible reporting that prevents the social stigmatisation of victims and highlights news of trials and convictions to emphasise justice and accountability for abusers.

The rising number of child rape and sexual abuse cases is a national crisis and has to be addressed through a multi-sectoral response mechanism.

Behind every number is a child whose life has been irreparably harmed, and a family struggling with trauma, stigma, and the pursuit of justice.

The fact that many incidents remain unreported or unresolved further reflects systemic failures in protecting children.

The future of Bangladesh depends on the safety and well-being of its children.

The trauma of an unsafe environment hinders children's holistic development and leaves lasting impact on children.

Protecting them from violence is not optional, it is our moral, legal, and national duty.