The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over a recent surge in cases of child abuse, rape, and murder in Bangladesh, stating that the killing of seven-year-old Ramisa Akter in Pallabi along with other recent incidents has once again exposed the severe weaknesses in the country’s child protection system.
In a statement sent to the media, the human rights organization said these incidents are not isolated crimes but rather a reflection of systemic failure in state protection mechanisms and a broader crisis of social accountability.
Citing its own statistics, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reported that between January and May 20, 2026, at least 118 children were subjected to rape, while at least 46 children were victims of attempted rape. In addition, at least 17 children were killed either after rape or following failed rape attempts during the same period.
The organization noted that Articles 28 and 32 of the Bangladesh Constitution guarantee children’s rights to life, safety, and dignity. It also highlighted that the National Children Policy 2011 enshrines the state’s commitment to ensuring the best interests, protection, and non-discriminatory development of children. Bangladesh, as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is also legally bound to prevent all forms of violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation against children.
Despite these legal and policy frameworks, ASK said prolonged judicial processes and weak investigations continue to obstruct justice for child victims. As a result, grieving families not only endure deep trauma and insecurity but also increasingly lose confidence in the justice system.
ASK stressed that every case of child abuse and murder must be treated with the highest priority, ensuring swift judicial resolution. It also called for fully independent, transparent, and impartial investigations to prevent any political or social influence from undermining justice.
The organization further urged strengthened state monitoring and protection mechanisms to ensure children’s safety in educational institutions, homes, and digital spaces. It also emphasized strict enforcement and regular oversight of existing child protection laws.
Concluding its statement, ASK said child protection is not merely a policy commitment but a constitutional responsibility of the state, a fundamental human rights obligation, and a basic benchmark of a civilized society. Failure to ensure children’s safety, it warned, is not only a legal failure but also a moral and humanitarian one that undermines the state’s credibility.
