The Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) has raised alarm over a sharp rise in child abuse, with thousands of children across the country suffering from violence, exploitation, and neglect. The rights group has called on the government to immediately establish a dedicated Child Directorate to tackle what it describes as a national emergency.
At a press conference in Dhaka on Thursday, jointly organised by BSAF and Bangladesh Shishu Kalyan Parishad, speakers stressed the urgent need for stronger child protection systems.
An analysis by BSAF of national newspaper reports from January to June 2025 revealed a grim reality: 1,933 children died from abusive incidents, 2,744 cases of rape were reported, and 2,159 other instances of physical abuse were recorded. Adding to the crisis, nearly 151,000 child abuse cases remain unresolved in courts, leaving victims and their families without justice.
“Child abuse is not limited to public spaces; many cases occur within families. Urban centers and district towns are witnessing higher rates of abuse, calling for urgent action”, said Dr. Hamidul Haque, Chairperson of BSAF. “Our vision is clear—no child in Bangladesh should suffer physical, mental, or sexual abuse. Ensuring accurate reporting and immediate support for victims must be a top priority.”
Dr. Afroja Parvin, Executive Member of BSAF, emphasised that a specialised Child Directorate is crucial to provide centralized leadership, accountability, and a comprehensive framework for protecting children’s rights, including safety, education, health, and overall well-being.
Speakers warned that child abuse will continue to devastate lives unless the government acts swiftly. “To fully implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the government must urgently end all forms of violence against children,” they urged.