UNICEF has expressed deep shock and sorrow over recent reports of brutal violence against children in Bangladesh, including cases of rape and killing in places where they should have been safe.
In a statement, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, said, “Brutality against children must stop!”
“UNICEF conveys sincere condolences to all the affected families,” she said in the statement issued on Friday.
She added, “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 (Gender‑based violence) protection systems and prevention measures nationwide.”
The culture of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators must end, she stressed.
She also called for urgent steps to close gaps in prevention, reporting, institutional safeguarding, child‑friendly policing and justice, community protection, and social services.
The need for psychosocial support for the women and children, with far stronger accountability of schools, madrasas, workplaces, neighbourhoods and care settings, Rana Flowers added.
“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 added.
She further said, “Children and women who suffer at the hands of an abuser deserve their dignity to be respected. The sharing of photos videos or identifying personal details represents a further abuse of each of them. All who share and reshare are adding to the trauma of survivors, the trauma of families, the disrespect of the victim.”
UNICEF has urged the public, media outlets, and social media users to respect the rights of victims and their families and to refrain from sharing harmful content.
“Instead, please raise your voice calling for the protections and the systems and for an end to impunity of perpetrators,” said the UNICEF representative.
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 added.
