Violence against children in BD rose by 18.75pc last year: Study

Incidents of violence against children marked 18.75 per cent rise in the country in 2018 compared to such incidents a year ago, a study has revealed.

According to the report, on average 380 children fell victim to different types of violence each month in 2018.

Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) revealed the findings at a press conference titled “Child Rights Situation-2018” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital on Wednesday. 

The report showed that the number of children facing violence and torture was 3,845 in 2017.

BSAF prepared the study based on reports published in the country’s 15 leading Bangla and English dailies.

Citing media reports, the forum said courts gave verdict on only 31 child murder cases and 50 on child rape cases in 2018, adding that that the scenario only indicates the culture of impunity and delay in getting justice. 

The BSAF statistics further disclosed that a total of 2,354 children became the victims of unnatural deaths and 812 faced sexual harassment in 2018.

National Human Rights Commission Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque was present at the press conference as the chief guest, while UNDP Chief Technical Adviser on Human Rights Sharmila Rasul addressed the event as special guest.

BSAF Director Abdus Shahid Mahmood read out the study while BSAF Chairperson Khawaja Shamsul Huda chaired the programme.

Kazi Reazul Hoque said that 45 per cent of the country’s total population is children and it is unfortunate to know that violence against them is rising.

“We need to give all possible efforts to completely eliminate violence against children from the country,” he added. 

Mentioning government efforts in this regard, he urged the authority to form a child commission and a child department to this effect. 

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