UNICEF has expressed deep shock and concern over the recent surge in brutal violence against children in Bangladesh, including cases of rape and murder involving both girls and boys in places where they were expected to be safe.
In a statement issued on Friday, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Rana Flowers strongly condemned the growing incidents of abuse.
“Brutality against children must stop,” she said, warning that the increasing reports of sexual and violent crimes against women and children in 2026 highlight the urgent need to strengthen child protection and gender-based violence prevention systems across the country.
Rana Flowers stressed that the culture of impunity surrounding perpetrators must end.
She called for stronger prevention measures, improved reporting mechanisms, child-friendly policing and justice systems, better institutional safeguards, and expanded community-based protection and social services.
She also emphasized the importance of providing psychosocial support for survivors and ensuring greater accountability in schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighborhoods and care facilities.
UNICEF urged communities not to remain silent against violence and encouraged people to report abuse and exploitation through available protection services, including Child Helpline 1098, which supports children in need of assistance.
The organization further appealed to the public and media to respect the dignity and privacy of victims and their families by refraining from sharing photos, videos, or personal details online.
“Every child has the right to protection everywhere; in communities, schools, homes, and even in how their stories and images are treated in public spaces,” Rana Flowers added.
