‘626 children sexually abused in Bangladesh last year’
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‘626 children sexually abused in Bangladesh last year’

Child marriage up 60%, Manusher Jonno Foundation says
‘626 children sexually abused in Bangladesh last year’


At least 626 children were “sexually abused” during January-December last year despite the closure of educational institutions and the absence of public gatherings amid the pandemic.

Also, the number of children forced into marriage rose 60% at that time. And at least 145 children died from rape, attempted rape, murder, abduction, disappearance and torture.

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) came up with the findings on Saturday at the online press conference “Bangladesh Child Situation 2020.”

Also read: Four children accused of rape freed on bail in Barishal

MJF reached the conclusion based on the reports of five national Bangla dailies – Prothom Alo, Jugantar, Daily Samakal, Ittefaq, Kaler Kantho – and three English dailies – The Daily Star, New Age and Dhaka Tribune.

The non-governmental organisation also found that children in Bangladesh were not safe even at home, as most rapes were perpetrated by acquaintances within the family and neighbours.

Also, at least 145 children faced murder attempts in 2020 because of family disputes, wrangles over properties, rejection of romantic proposals, protesting injustice, rape and much more.

Also read: 12-year-old arrested over child rape in Narayanganj

And 34 children killed themselves because of failing in exams, anger, problems in a relationship, harassment, rape or attempted rape, and cybercrimes or blackmailing.

MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, “According to our analysis, children are not safe in their homes. I would request all the government agencies engaged in child protection to be more responsible and work together for the protection of children’s rights.”

Also read: One held for ‘raping’ child in Feni

Md Muhibuzzaman, joint secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said, “The crisis in child safety is worrying.”

He suggested addressing the existing problems through social mobilisation.

Also read: Child rape increased 76.01pc in Bangladesh last year: BSAF

Lawmaker Aroma Dutta highlighted the need for setting up a separate ministry or department on child affairs to work closely for the protection of children’s rights and called on everyone to work together for policy formulation, performance and intensive supervision of work.

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child marriage child rape Manusher Jonno Foundation MJF children protection Bangladesh Child Situation 2020 Child sexual abuse