At least 165 children were killed or raped in the first three months of this year, according to data compiled from human rights organizations and media reports, underscoring a disturbing rise in violence against minors.
Of the victims, 88 children were killed either after rape or while resisting sexual assault. The most affected age groups include 49 children aged one to six and 88 children aged seven to 12, according to figures from the Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). Another 65 adolescents aged 13 to 18 were also victims of rape or sexual abuse during the same period. Seven boys were reportedly subjected to sodomy.
Rights groups say many of the perpetrators were known to the victims, including teachers, neighbors and close relatives. In several cases, families—often from economically vulnerable backgrounds—reportedly faced social pressure and intimidation, discouraging them from pursuing legal action.
The compiled data further shows that at least 67 children were sexually abused by teachers, employers or neighbours. Activists also allege that informal arbitration in rural areas frequently results in out-of-court settlements, weakening accountability.
Separate data from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) show 262 cases of child abuse in the capital between February and July 2025. Tejgaon recorded the highest number with 58 cases, followed by Mirpur (48), Motijheel (40), Gulshan (34) and Ramna (31).
Nationwide, police data indicate around 20,000 cases of violence against women and children are filed annually—an average of more than 1,500 cases each month.
Several recent incidents have drawn public attention. On March 5, an eight-year-old girl died after being raped while visiting her sister’s home. On March 1, a seven-year-old girl was found critically injured in Sitakunda, Chattogram, after being raped and later died during treatment. In another case in Faridpur on April 24, a child was allegedly raped and killed after being lured with chocolate, according to police.
In Netrokona, a 12-year-old madrasa student was reportedly raped in November 2025 and later became pregnant, according to a police case.
Human rights activist and lawyer Noor Khan Liton said rising social degradation and weakening moral values are driving the surge in violence against children.
Criminologist Touhidul Haque of Dhaka University said delays in justice often allow perpetrators to escape timely punishment, increasing the likelihood of repeated offences. He called for faster trials and stronger law enforcement action.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Headquarters’ Media Wing AHM Shahadat Hossain said victim support centers provide shelter, medical care, legal aid and counselling, alongside ongoing investigations.
Experts and authorities say coordinated action from families; educational institutions and the state is urgently needed to curb rising violence against children.