UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers has said UNICEF is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent brutal violence against children reported across Bangladesh, including the rape and killing of girls and boys in settings where they should have been safe.
"Every child has the right to protection everywhere, in communities, schools, at home, and even in how their stories and images are treated in public spaces," she said in a statement, stressing that brutality against children must stop.
UNICEF conveyed sincere condolences to all the affected families.
The rise in reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children across Bangladesh thus far in 2026 underscore the urgent need for immediate action to strengthen child and GBV protection systems and prevention measures nationwide, said Rana Flowers.
She said the culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators must end, and the gaps in prevention, reporting, institutional safeguarding, child friendly police and justice, community protection and social services be addressed.
There is also need for psychosocial support for the women and children, with far stronger accountability of schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care settings, Rana Flowers said.
"Violence spreads when communities stay silent. UNICEF appeals for children, women, families and community members to report violence, abuse or exploitation through available protection services, including Child Helpline 1098, which provides support and referral services for children in need of assistance," she said.
Children and women who suffer at the hands of an abuser deserve their dignity to be respected, Rana Flowers said.
"The sharing of photos videos or identifying personal details represents a further abuse of each of them," she said, adding that all who share and reshare are adding to the trauma of survivors, the trauma of families, the disrespect of the victim.
"UNICEF appeals to the public, media outlets and social media users to respect the rights of the victims and their families and to refrain from any such sharing," Rana Flowers said.
"Instead, please raise your voice calling for the protections and the systems and for an end to impunity of perpetrators," she added.
Bangladesh on Friday witnessed protests over rising incidents of child rape as residents and activists in Pallabi and other parts of Dhaka demanded justice for eight-year-old Ramisa Akhter, who was raped and killed on May 19.
Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) alao expressed deep concern over the recent surge in child abuse, rape, and murder cases, saying the killing of seven-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, along with other recent incidents, has once again exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s child protection system.
ASK reported that between January and May 20, 2026, at least 118 children were raped, while 46 others were victims of attempted rape. At least 17 children were killed following rape or attempted rape during the same period.
Ramisa, a class two student, was allegedly raped, killed, and beheaded by her neighbour, Sohel Rana, on May 19.
In its statement, ASK said such incidents were not isolated crimes but reflected systemic failures in state protection mechanisms and a broader crisis of social accountability.