Child rights organizations have strongly condemned the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Chittagong’s Sitakunda, urging authorities to ensure a swift and impartial investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Child Rights Advocacy Coalition of Bangladesh, Joining Forces Bangladesh and the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum expressed deep concern, anger and outrage over the incident, describing it as a tragic reminder of the country’s persistent gaps in child protection.
The organizations said the brutal killing highlights serious weaknesses in Bangladesh’s child protection system and reflects the growing threats faced by children in terms of safety, physical well-being and psychological security.
The child was reportedly rescued in a critically injured condition from a remote hilly area of Sitakunda upazila in Chittagong. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where she died early Monday while undergoing treatment.
The child rights networks called on the authorities to ensure a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the incident. They also urged the government to ensure the maximum punishment for those responsible under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
According to the organizations, exemplary punishment for such heinous crimes is essential to deter similar acts in the future.
They further called for urgent and coordinated action by the government, communities and relevant institutions to strengthen the country’s child protection system, implement effective preventive measures and ensure the safety of children.
The organizations also urged the government to launch wider awareness initiatives on child rights and child protection through families, educational institutions, communities and the media.
Expressing hope for immediate action, the groups said they expect the authorities to take decisive steps to ensure justice for the victim and strengthen safeguards for children across the country.