Child rights organisations have strongly condemned the brutal rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Sitakunda, demanding a swift and impartial trial with maximum punishment for the perpetrators.
The girl died in the early hours of Monday while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital. She was rescued in critical condition from a remote hilly area in Sitakunda upazila following the assault.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Child Rights Advocacy Coalition in Bangladesh, Joining Forces Bangladesh, and the National Girls Child Advocacy Forum expressed deep concern and outrage over the incident, describing it as a grim reminder of the serious weaknesses in the country’s child protection system.
“This brutal act against a child is not merely a crime, but a profound warning sign for the fundamental human rights and children’s rights in our society,” the statement read.
The organisations demanded that authorities ensure a swift, independent, and impartial investigation into the incident, and guarantee the maximum punishment under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
“Exemplary punishment is essential in cases of such heinous crimes so that no one dares to commit such acts in the future,” they added.
The groups also called upon the government, society, and relevant institutions to take urgent initiatives to strengthen child protection systems, adopt effective preventive measures, and ensure children’s safety.
They further urged the government to launch widespread awareness campaigns on child rights and protection through families, educational institutions, communities, and media outlets.
The organisations expressed hope that authorities would take prompt and effective action, ensuring a firm stance in protecting children’s safety and rights.
