In the first eight months of the current year, 390 girl children in the country have been victims of rape and gang rape. Among them, 43 were victims of gang rape and 29 were girl children with disabilities who were raped. After rape or gang rape, 15 children were killed and 5 committed suicide.
These facts were revealed from an observational report on the picture of abuse and violence against girl children. The report was prepared by the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum. The information from this report was presented at a press conference held at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital after 3pm on Saturday.
Educo Bangladesh assisted in preparing the report. The report was presented at the press conference by Syeda Ahsana Zaman, National Coordinator of the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum.
Pointing out that these incidents of rape and gang rape are much higher compared to last year, the report stated that in the first 8 months of 2024, a total of 224 girl children, and in 2023, 493 girl children were victims of rape. Additionally, in the past 8 months, there were attempts to rape 134 girl children. In the same period last year, there were attempts to rape 32 girl children.
Citing the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), the report presented interview-based information from victims of 84 discussed rape cases and the plaintiffs and defendants in rape incidents. It stated that among the accused in rape cases occurring between 2016 and 2023, 20.23% were drug addicts, and 27.38% were addicted to pornography.
Furthermore, 72.61% of the victims were children and students. In many incidents, the accused were relatives or acquaintances of the victim. Additionally, most victims were from extremely poor families.
Moreover, in the past 8 months, 34 girl children have been victims of abduction and trafficking. Among them, 18 abducted children have been successfully rescued.
From January to August of the current year, 104 girl children have committed suicide. Within the same period, 83 children have been murdered. The number of murders is slightly higher than last year. Among these, 15 were killed after rape, 4 due to dowry, 31 due to domestic violence for other reasons, 9 due to previous enmity, and 5 due to romantic relationships. Furthermore, the actual cause of death for 19 children could not be ascertained.
The report mentioned that due to the lack of effective law enforcement, child marriage and cyberbullying against women have increased in the country.
Additionally, from January to August of this period, a total of 54 girl children have been victims of sexual harassment, which is nearly double compared to the same period last year. However, it is lower compared to 2023.
In the same period of 2024, 28 girl children, and in 2023, 117 girl children were victims of sexual harassment and abuse. Girl children and women are frequently subjected to sexual abuse on the streets, in vehicles, in markets, in crowded places, and even in homes, including educational and religious institutions.
Eleven recommendations have been presented by the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum to overcome the crisis. These include: Approving the ‘Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Ordinance 2025’ for all levels to prevent sexual harassment, molestation, and abuse; completing judicial proceedings in the shortest possible time by giving special importance to all incidents of child abuse, rape, and murder; amending the relevant provisions of the existing law so that if an allegation of rape is made, the accused person must prove that they did not commit the act, instead of the victimised woman or girl having to prove it; ensuring the strict directive for the mandatory formation of anti-sexual harassment cells in schools, colleges, and universities based on monitoring, in accordance with the High Court’s instructions, among other matters.
The press conference was presided over by President of the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum Badrul Alam Majumdar and conducted by Executive Director of Aparajeyo Bangladesh Wahida Banu and featured speeches by Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Director of Policy, Advocacy, Influencing and Campaign at Plan International Nishat Sultana, and lawyer Fahmida Rinki.
