Violence against women and children in Bangladesh has reached a deeply alarming level, leaving the nation gripped by anxiety, anger, and fear. Almost every day, newspapers, television channels, and social media platforms carry reports of rape, sexual harassment, child abuse, and assaults on young girls. What is most horrifying is that innocent children are increasingly becoming the victims of these brutal crimes. The recent rape and murder of Ramisa in Dhaka has shaken the conscience of the entire country. The desperate cry of an innocent child now raises a painful question before the nation: where is the safety of women and children in our society?
Rape is not merely a criminal offense; it is one of the gravest forms of violence against humanity. When a child becomes a victim of sexual assault, it destroys not only the body but also the mind, dreams, and future of that child. Psychologists warn that survivors of childhood sexual violence often suffer from long-term trauma, fear, depression, social isolation, and loss of self-confidence. Many never fully recover and struggle to return to a normal life. This is why exemplary punishment for such crimes has become one of the strongest demands of time.
Recent reports by organisations such as Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), and various human rights groups indicate an alarming rise in violence against women and children across the country. Media reports suggest that in 2025 alone, hundreds of women and children were subjected to rape, gang rape, and sexual abuse, with a significant number of victims being minors. According to UNICEF, girls in South Asia remain among the most vulnerable victims of violence against children. Experts believe the actual number of incidents is even higher, as many families avoid filing complaints due to fear, social stigma, pressure, and lack of confidence in the justice system.
A growing section of society now believes that crimes such as child rape and extreme sexual violence must be met with swift and exemplary punishment through the legal process. The argument is simple: when offenders see that such crimes lead to severe consequences and public disgrace, others may think twice before committing similar acts. Studies in several countries suggest that strict laws and fast-track judicial systems can significantly reduce sexual crimes. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and others in Asia enforce tough penalties for child abuse, including long prison terms, chemical punishment, and, in some cases, expedited capital punishment. At the same time, justice must always remain within the framework of the law. No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. In a civilised society, the courts and the justice system must remain the final authority. Therefore, Bangladesh urgently needs faster investigations, impartial trials, improved forensic capabilities, witness protection, and prompt implementation of verdicts.
Although Bangladesh’s Women and Children Repression Prevention Act includes provisions for capital punishment, the judicial process in many cases remains painfully slow. Years pass before verdicts are delivered. Witnesses are intimidated, evidence disappears, and victims’ families face threats and harassment. In some cases, political influence or negligence during investigations weakens the legal process. As a result, criminals become more confident, and a dangerous culture of impunity grows stronger. Laws alone are not enough; their implementation must also be ensured.
The causes of child abuse are not limited to individual moral failure. Social decay also plays a major role. The misuse of pornography, drug addiction, disrespect toward women, the decline of moral education, family irresponsibility, and a broader crisis of social values are all contributing to rising criminal tendencies. Families must teach boys from an early age to respect women and uphold human values. Schools should strengthen awareness and safety education. Religious and social institutions must also play a greater role in nurturing morality and compassion. Technology-based security measures must also be strengthened. CCTV surveillance in important areas, faster police response systems, expansion of women and child support centres, monitoring of online sexual crimes, and effective child protection hotlines are essential. At the same time, victims must be provided with psychological support, legal assistance, and rehabilitation services.
To build effective resistance against child abuse, families, educational institutions, media, religious organisations, law enforcement agencies, political leaders, and civil society must work together. The safety of children must never become a political issue; it must be treated as a national priority. No offender should be allowed to escape justice because of political identity, money, or power.
The state must now adopt a true ‘zero tolerance’ policy against violence toward women and children. Cases involving rape and child abuse should be brought under fast-track tribunals and resolved within a fixed time frame. The implementation of court verdicts must also be swift and effective. Every police station should introduce child-friendly complaint mechanisms. Schools, madrasas, and coaching centers should be required to adopt formal child protection policies.
The true measure of a civilised society lies in whether women and children can move freely and safely within it. If even one child remains unsafe, then economic growth, technological advancement, and development lose much of their meaning. Today, Ramisa’s cry is the cry of the entire nation. To stop that cry, Bangladesh needs strong laws, swift justice, social awareness, and a revival of humanity and moral values.
We dream of a Bangladesh where no child will ever again become a victim of rape, where no mother will have to carry the body of her child while begging for justice, and where no criminal can escape through legal loopholes or political protection. For the sake of humanity and for the safety of future generations, the time for decisive and effective action is now.
The people of Bangladesh now want to believe that this moment can mark the beginning of a new chapter – one where the state stands firm, humane, and uncompromising against violence toward women and children. A Bangladesh where no offender can escape because of political influence, money, or power, and where the rule of law and the dignity of humanity are truly upheld.
The writer is a Columnist; Former Vice President, Dhaka University Journalists’ Association, and Deputy Director, Faculty HR, North South University
